CN104685428B - Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for improving well-being associated with liveable environments - Google Patents

Abstract

Environmental characteristics of a habitable environment (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise ship cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or dwellings) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or mitigate adverse or harmful aspects and to introduce, augment or improve advantageous aspects in order to enhance the "well-being" or "feeling of well-being" provided via the environment. Control of the intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active illumination addresses various problems, symptoms or syndromes, for example, to maintain circadian rhythms or cycles, adjust "jet lag" or seasonal affective disorder, and the like. Air quality and properties are controlled. The fragrance can be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g. bedding, linen) may be used. The water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sound (e.g., masking sound, musical sound, natural sound) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen control devices are used. Control devices are provided for the occupants and/or facility operators, which are themselves instructions as well as surveys, including assessment of well-being.

Description

Systems, methods, and methods for improving well-being associated with livable environments object

technical field

The present invention relates generally to habitable environments, such as homes, hotels or motels, offices and hospitals, and in particular to techniques for improving the living conditions of humans in such environments.

Background technique

Most people spend a significant amount of time in habitable environments such as homes, apartments, condominium units, hotel suites or rooms, motel suites or rooms, spas, hospitals, and other public or private An enclosed space associated with a facility. Sometimes these enclosed spaces are controlled or even owned by the occupants, such as homes, apartments or condominium units. Other times these enclosed spaces are controlled by others, for example, facility owners or operators who may own and/or operate hotels, motels, spas, hospitals.

Spending significant amounts of time in these spaces exposes occupants to a wide variety of environmental factors, any of which may have adverse or beneficial effects on the occupants' health, well-being, or sense of well-being. There is a need to minimize exposure to environmental factors that tend to have adverse effects, while prolonging exposure to environmental factors that tend to have beneficial effects.

New approaches to improving habitability are needed.

Contents of the invention

The various methods described herein combine passive and active technologies for improving the environmental characteristics of habitable environments to reduce or ameliorate adverse effects and increase beneficial effects. These methods find particular application in hospitality settings, for example, hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise ship cabins, extended stay suites. These methods can be applied in professional settings such as offices, retail establishments, factories or warehouses. These methods can be applied in a residential setting, such as a home, apartment, entryway, condominium, or other dwelling, for example. These methods can be applied in other settings, for example, hospitals or clinics, waiting areas associated with transportation such as airports and train stations, and/or public areas such as theaters, arenas, sports fields, museums and other place. The various combinations may advantageously produce synergistic results that would not be possible to achieve on an individual basis.

A system for controlling environmental characteristics in an enclosed space may be summarized as comprising: a control subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory processor-readable medium, the non-transitory processor-readable medium storing at least one of processor-executable instructions or data; a lighting subsystem operable to control lighting characteristics of lighting provided in at least a portion of the enclosure, the lighting subsystem comprising: a plurality of lighting sources , which is selectively operable to emit illumination at multiple levels and multiple wavelengths; at least one actuator, which is operable to control the amount of light received into the enclosed space from an external illumination source through one or more windows and at least one user-actuatable input device located in the enclosure and communicatively coupled to the control subsystem and selectively actuatable by the user to switch between the circadian rhythm setting and the at least one override setting wherein: the control subsystem is communicatively coupled to control the plurality of lighting sources and the at least one actuator, and the control subsystem provides signals to the lighting sources and the at least one actuator when in the circadian rhythm setting , such that the illumination source and the at least one actuator provide illumination according to a diurnal pattern defined over a period of time, the diurnal pattern at least substantially matching the illumination level and color temperature of naturally occurring illumination at at least one defined latitude within the time period Change.

The at least one actuator may comprise electrochromic glass in the at least one window. The at least one actuator may comprise an electric motor physically coupled to the transmission, the electric motor selectively positioning the at least one shade across the at least one window. During the nighttime portion of the day-night mode, the control subsystem may provide a signal to at least a subset of lighting sources, such as solid-state lighting sources or small incandescent lights, that generate low Horizontal lighting. When in a first override setting of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem may provide a signal to the lighting source and the at least one actuator such that the lighting source and the at least one actuator provide a light that does not follow the defined day and night. Pattern lighting. When in a second override setting of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem can provide signals to the lighting source and the at least one actuator such that the lighting source and the at least one actuator are based at least in part on the The geographic location from which the occupants originate provides lighting to the enclosure to accommodate changes in circadian rhythms as occupants travel. When in a third override setting of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem may provide signals to the lighting source and the at least one actuator such that the lighting source and the at least one actuator are based at least in part on a yearly Lighting is provided to the enclosure for a period of time to accommodate changes in circadian rhythm due to seasonal changes at the geographic location of the enclosure. When in yet another of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem may provide a signal to the lighting source and the at least one actuator to cause the lighting source and the at least one actuator to provide lighting to the enclosure to Has a healing effect on the occupants of the enclosed space. The system may further include at least one sensor positioned to detect the presence of an occupant in the enclosure and communicatively coupled to the control subsystem to provide a signal indicative of current occupancy of the enclosure. The system may further comprise at least one user-actuatable input device located remote from the enclosure and communicatively coupled to the control subsystem and selectively actuatable to operate at a plurality of settings for the system. to switch between. The system may further comprise an air handling subsystem to control the air characteristics of the air in the enclosed space, the air handling system comprising at least one of: an air filter, a heater, an air conditioner, a humidifier , a dehumidifier, a vent, a fan, or a compressor, and the air handling system includes at least one of: a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor positioned to detect a temperature near at least a portion of the enclosed space or humidity. The control subsystem may provide signals to at least a portion of the air handling subsystem to control at least one of temperature or humidity of air in the enclosure. The control subsystem may provide a signal to adjust at least a temperature of the air in the enclosure during the time period based at least in part on the diurnal pattern. The at least one air filter may comprise at least one of: a HEPA mechanical air filter, an electrostatic particulate air filter, an ultraviolet air filter, an ionizer, and/or a photocatalytic air cleaner. The air handling subsystem may further comprise a plurality of inlets for selectively introducing aroma from the plurality of reservoirs into the air of the enclosed space, and the control subsystem may provide a signal to at least one portion of the air handling subsystem to Controlled introduction of fragrance into the air of an enclosed space. The control subsystem may provide a signal to at least one portion of the air handling subsystem to control the introduction of aroma into the air of the enclosed space based on the defined schedule. The control subsystem may provide a signal to at least one portion of the air handling subsystem to on demand control the introduction of aroma into the air of the enclosed space in response to user input. The system may further comprise a water supply subsystem comprising a sediment filter and an activated carbon filter which filters water to be supplied to the enclosed space via a faucet or shower head. The water supply subsystem may further include a UV water sterilizer that illuminates the water to be supplied to the enclosed space via the faucet or sprinkler with UV lighting. The water supply subsystem may further include an inlet that supplies vitamin C to the water to be supplied to the enclosed space via the spray head. The system may further comprise an ambient acoustic subsystem, which may comprise: at least one sound barrier positioned to acoustically sound-proof at least some of the plurality of duct assemblies; at least one sound-damping door, when the at least one sound-damping when the door is in the closed position, the at least one anechoic door acoustically insulates the enclosure from its exterior; at least one anechoic window, when the at least one anechoic window is in the closed position The space is acoustically insulated from its exterior; at least one anechoic wall assembly that acoustically insulates the enclosure from its exterior; and at least one anechoic floor assembly that acoustically insulates the enclosure from its exterior. When the active sound source works in the closed space, the ambient sound level in the closed space can be less than 45dB. The system may further comprise at least one speaker communicatively coupled to be controlled by the control subsystem to play sound in the enclosed space at a sound level that changes in synchronization with changes in the illumination level emitted by the illumination source. The control subsystem may provide signals to gradually increase both the sound level and the lighting level in response to the occurrence of a preset time. The system may further comprise a cushioned low VOC luminous floor in the enclosed space. The system may further comprise a textured reflexology floor path in the enclosed space. The system may further comprise at least one electromagnetic field shield positioned relative to the wiring to reduce a level of electromagnetic fields introduced into the enclosed space by the wiring.

A method of controlling an environmental characteristic in an enclosed space may be summarized as comprising: receiving at a first time a first input indicative of a selection of a circadian setting; in response to the first input indicative of a selection of a circadian setting, by controlling The system provides signals to cause a plurality of lighting sources to emit artificial lighting at multiple levels and at multiple wavelengths, and to cause at least one actuator to control at least some light received from an external lighting source through one or more windows into an enclosed space. a level of natural lighting such that the combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting varies according to a circadian pattern during a first time period; receiving a second input indicating selection of a first non-circadian rhythm setting at a second time; a second input of selection of a non-circadian rhythm setting, providing signals through the control subsystem to cause the plurality of illumination sources to emit artificial lighting at the plurality of levels and at the plurality of wavelengths, and to cause the at least one actuator to be controlled externally The lighting source receives at least a level of natural lighting into the enclosure via the one or more windows such that a combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting does not vary according to a diurnal pattern during the second time period.

In response to a second input indicative of selection of the first non-circadian rhythm setting, the control subsystem may provide signals to the plurality of lighting sources and at least one actuator such that the combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting is maintained for a second time period. constant. The method may further comprise receiving, at a third time, a third input indicative of selection of a second non-circadian setting as the sleep time setting; and in response to selecting the second non-circadian setting as the sleep time setting; A third input provides a signal through the control subsystem to cause the sub-equipment of the lighting source close to the floor in the enclosed space to emit artificial lighting at low lighting levels along at least one path and to cause at least one actuator to prevent natural Lighting is received into the enclosed space through one or more windows. The method may further comprise receiving, at a fourth time, a fourth input indicative of selection of a travel adjustment setting; in response to the fourth input indicative of a travel adjustment setting: determining based at least in part on a geographic location from which an occupant of the enclosure originates travel adjusts the lighting pattern to accommodate changes in circadian rhythm due to occupant travel; and provides a signal through the control subsystem to cause the lighting source to emit artificial lighting at said level and at said wavelength and to cause at least one actuation A controller controls at least the level of natural lighting received into the enclosure via the one or more windows such that a combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting achieves the determined travel-adjusted lighting pattern in the enclosure. The method may further comprise receiving, at a fourth time, a fourth input indicative of selection of a light therapy setting; and in response to the fourth input indicative of a light setting, providing a signal through the control subsystem to cause the illumination source to emit light at said light therapy setting. artificial lighting at the level and said wavelength, and causing at least one actuator to control at least said level of natural lighting received into the enclosure via one or more windows such that the combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting during the treatment period A defined light therapy lighting pattern in an enclosed space is achieved within. Providing a signal through the control subsystem to cause the at least one actuator to control at least the level of natural lighting received into the enclosed space via the one or more windows may include providing a signal to alter a pane of light passing through the at least one electrochromic material The amount of lighting delivered. Providing a signal through the control subsystem to cause the at least one actuator to control at least the level of natural lighting received into the enclosed space via the one or more windows may include providing a signal to control an electric motor drivingly coupled to At least one of the shade or window covering is moved relative to the at least one window. The method may further comprise detecting, by at least one sensor, whether the enclosure is occupied; and providing a signal indicative of whether the enclosure is occupied to the control subsystem.

The method may further comprise receiving an input via at least one user-actuatable input device located remotely from the enclosure; and providing a signal indicative of the received input to the control subsystem. The method may further comprise providing, by the control subsystem, a signal to at least one component of the air handling subsystem to control an air characteristic of the air in the enclosed space. Providing a signal to at least one component of the air handling subsystem may include providing a signal to at least one of an air filter, heater, air conditioner, humidifier, dehumidifier, vent, fan, or compressor to control air conditioning in the enclosed space. At least one of temperature or humidity of the air. The method may further include receiving, by the control subsystem, a signal from at least one of: a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor positioned to detect temperature or humidity proximate at least a portion of the enclosed space. Providing a signal to at least one component of the air handling subsystem may include providing a signal to adjust at least a temperature of the air in the enclosure during the time period based at least in part on a diurnal pattern. The method may further comprise filtering the air of the enclosed space using at least one of: a HEPA mechanical air filter, an electrostatic particulate air filter, an ultraviolet air filter, an ionizer, and/or a photocatalytic air cleaner . The method may further comprise providing a signal via the control subsystem to selectively introduce aroma from the plurality of reservoirs into the air of the enclosed space. Providing a signal by the control subsystem to selectively introduce a scent into the air of the enclosure may include providing the signal based on a defined schedule. Providing a signal via the control subsystem to selectively introduce a fragrance into the air of the enclosed space may include providing the signal on demand in response to user input. The method may further comprise filtering water supplied to a faucet or a sprinkler in the enclosed space through a water supply subsystem comprising at least one of a sediment filter or an activated carbon filter, and exposing the water to ultraviolet light to illuminate the Water disinfection. The method may further comprise introducing vitamin C into water to be supplied to a showerhead of the enclosed space. The method may further comprise supplying, by the controller subsystem, a signal to at least one speaker to play a sound in the enclosed space at a sound level that changes in synchronization with changes in the illumination level emitted by the illumination source.

A system for improving environmental characteristics in a habitable environment may be summarized as comprising: at least one anechoic window that, when the at least one anechoic window is in a closed position, separates the habitable environment from the Acoustically insulating the exterior; at least one anechoic wall assembly that acoustically insulates the habitable environment from its exterior; at least one anechoic floor assembly that acoustically insulates the habitable environment from its exterior; and at least one speaker , which can optionally be manipulated to play sounds in habitable environments.

The system may further comprise a plurality of illumination sources selectively operable to emit artificial illumination at a plurality of levels and at a plurality of wavelengths in the habitable environment; at least one actuator operable to control the Natural lighting sources receive an amount of lighting into the habitable environment through one or more windows. The system may further include a control subsystem communicatively coupled to control the plurality of illumination sources, the at least one actuator, and the at least one speaker. The system may further comprise at least one anechoic door that acoustically isolates the habitable environment from its exterior when the at least one anechoic door is in the closed position. The system can further comprise a photocatalytic antimicrobial agent on at least one surface in the habitable environment.

A method of controlling environmental characteristics in a habitable environment may be summarized as comprising: distributing an antimicrobial agent in the habitable environment prior to occupation of the habitable environment by a first occupant; UV-illuminating surfaces in the habitable environment; applying antimicrobial bedding to a bed in the habitable environment prior to occupancy of the habitable environment by a first occupant; and setting to control based on at least one characteristic of the first occupant Lighting patterns for both artificial and natural lighting provided in a habitable environment.

The method may further include setting a sound pattern to control both artificial sounds provided in the habitable environment based on at least one characteristic of the first occupant. Setting the sound mode may include setting the sound mode at least in part synchronized to a lighting mode controlling both artificial lighting and natural lighting provided in the habitable environment based on at least one characteristic of the first occupant. The method may further comprise removing the antimicrobial agent from the habitable environment prior to occupation of the habitable environment by the first occupant. Distributing the antimicrobial agent in the habitable environment may comprise distributing a photocatalytic antimicrobial agent; and may further comprise: exposing the antimicrobial agent to illumination of a defined wavelength for a defined time prior to occupancy of the habitable environment by a first occupant . The method may further comprise providing the treated water to the habitable environment.

Description of drawings

In the drawings, the same reference numbers identify similar elements or actions. The size and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and angles of various elements are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing readability. Furthermore, the particular shape of a drawn element is not intended to convey any information about the actual shape of the particular element, but has been chosen merely for ease of identification in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an habitable environment according to one illustrated embodiment, including enlarged views of various elements or components of the habitable environment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of a habitability improvement system to improve a habitability, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a high-level method of providing an improved environment in a habitable environment, according to one illustrated embodiment.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a low-level method of operating one or more components of the habitability improvement system for providing lighting, which may be adapted to implement the method illustrated in FIG. 3 , according to one illustrated embodiment. at least part of the method shown.

5 is a flowchart of a low-level method of operating one or more components of a habitability improvement system to adjust an amount of natural light received in a habitable environment using an electrochromic pane, according to one illustrated embodiment, The method may be adapted to perform at least part of the method illustrated in FIG. 4 .

6 is a flow diagram of a low-level method of operating one or more components of a habitability improvement system to use drapes, shades, or drapes to adjust an amount of natural light received in a habitable environment, according to one illustrated embodiment. FIG. 4 , the method may be adapted to perform at least part of the method illustrated in FIG. 4 .

7 is a flowchart illustrating a low-level method of operating one or more components of the habitability enhancement system for providing heating, ventilation, and cooling of the habitability environment, according to one illustrated embodiment. Suitable for performing at least part of the method illustrated in FIG. 3 .

8 is a flow diagram illustrating a low-level method of operating one or more components of the habitability improvement system for introducing a scent or aroma into a habitable environment, according to one illustrated embodiment. Suitable for performing at least part of the method illustrated in FIG. 3 .

9 is a flowchart showing a low-level method of operating one or more components of a habitability improvement system for treating water used in a habitable environment, according to one illustrated embodiment, which may be applicable to At least a portion of the method illustrated in FIG. 3 is performed.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a low-level method of operating one or more components of the habitability improvement system for adjusting the acoustic aspects of the habitability environment, which may be adapted to perform At least a portion of the method illustrated in FIG. 3 .

detailed description

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the practice of the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or may be practiced using other methods, components, materials, and the like. In other instances, well-known structures associated with environmental control, such as fans, blowers, heaters, coolers such as air conditioners or wet pad coolers, compressors, and computer systems, etc., are not shown or described in detail. control systems as well as networks and other communication channels to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Throughout this specification and in the appended claims, unless otherwise specified herein, the word "comprises" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprises" shall be read in an open, inclusive sense. It is understood, that is, understood as "including but not limited to".

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The titles and abstracts of the present invention are provided herein for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

Environment overview

FIG. 1 shows an habitable environment 100 in which various devices, methods, and articles described herein may operate, according to one illustrated embodiment.

Habitable environment 100 may take the form or one or more enclosed spaces, such as one or more rooms, for example, one or more rooms in a home, hotel, spa, condominium unit, apartment, office, hospital , or other dwellings where people usually live.

The habitable environment 100 includes a floor system 102, a wall system 104, and a ceiling system 106, and may include one or more doors 108a, 108b (collectively 108) and/or windows 110a, 110b (collectively 110). Door 108 may provide entry and exit to the external environment, or may provide entry and exit to other enclosed spaces within habitable environment 100 . For example, door 108a may provide access between habitable environment 100 and a hallway (not referenced) external to habitable environment 100 . Another door 108b may provide passage between one portion of the habitable environment 100 and another, such as between the bedroom or living room 100a and the bathroom 100b.

The door 108a leading to the exterior may have a handle 112a with an associated lock, for example a card key entry lock 112b. The key fob accesses the lock 112b to read an identifier either encoded in the magnetic strip of the key fob 114 or in its wireless transponder (eg, radio frequency identification or RFID transponder or smart card). An identifier may be logically associated with a resident or occupant of habitable environment 100 . For example, a hotel guest may be assigned to a given suite and given a key card 114 to enter that suite. The guest's identity may be stored in a database or other data structure with a logical relationship (eg, key, pointer) to the suite. Likewise, various attributes of a guest may be stored in a database or other data structure that is logically associated with the identity of the guest. As explained below, this may allow various aspects of the environment of habitable environment 100 to be customized for a particular occupant.

As illustrated, the habitable environment 100 may be a suite having a combined bedroom and living room 100a and a separate bathroom 100b. Habitable environment 100 may contain various pieces of furniture or appliances. For example, habitable environment 100 may include bed 116, dresser 118, end tables 120a, 120b (collectively 120). Also for example, the habitable environment 100 includes a bathtub or shower 122, sinks 124a, 124b (collectively 124), a commode 126, and optionally a towel rail 128 in the bathroom portion 100b. Bathtub or shower 122 may have faucet 130 , spray head 132 , and control handle 134 . Control handle 134 is operable to control the flow of water from a water supply (not shown in FIG. 1 ) via faucet 130 and/or spray head 132 . The sink may have a faucet 136 and a control handle 138 . Control handle 138 is operable to control the flow of water from a water supply (not shown in FIG. 1 ) via faucet 136 . Habitable environment 100 may additionally include one or more closets 140 .

Habitable environment 100 may contain a number of components (eg, devices, objects, structures) that contribute to the well-being or well-being of the occupants of habitable environment 100 . Some of these components are active components that are driven in response to commands or signals, while others are passive components. Together, these components are integrated into a system to provide a synergistic result that improves the health, well-being or well-being of the occupants or occupants of a habitable environment or enclosed space. Various components are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , and exemplary operations of such components are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3-10 .

Habitable environment 100 may contain a number of active components operable to achieve desired environmental characteristics, such as those related to lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), water treatment, and acoustics.

Controlled lighting or lighting is one aspect of achieving the desired environmental characteristics of habitable environment 100 . Accordingly, habitable environment 100 may include a plurality of artificial light fixtures 142a-142e (collectively 142) that are controlled to produce a desired output, eg, by varying the intensity and/or composition of wavelengths or colors. Light fixtures 142 may take various forms, such as lamps (eg, table lamps, floor lamps, etc.) 142a, 142b, wall lights 142c, 142d, and/or overhead lights 142e. The light fixture 142 may use a variety of illumination sources 144 such as incandescent, fluorescent, compact fluorescent, and light emitting diode (LED) lights. Light fixture 142 may optionally contain a ballast (eg, an electronic ballast) and/or other electrical or electronic components required for operation. The light fixture 142 may also contain various passive and/or active thermal management components to remove heat, thereby extending the useful life of the light fixture 142 . Each light fixture 142 may contain a plurality of individual illumination sources or light sources 144, corresponding ones or groups of illumination sources 144 operable to emit light in corresponding wavelength ranges. Some of the ranges may overlap, while other ranges may or may not overlap. Several or groups of illumination sources 144 may be operated individually to achieve any desired distribution of wavelengths at any given time. Each light fixture 142 may contain one or more intensity adjustment circuits (eg, dimmer circuits), which may take a variety of forms depending on the type of illumination source 144 used. For example, adjustable resistive dimmer switches can be used with incandescent light sources, while more complex pulse width modulation techniques can be used to control the intensity of LED light sources.

Habitable environment 100 may additionally or alternatively include a plurality of components controlled to adjust natural light received in habitable environment 100 from outside thereof, such as from a natural light source (eg, the sun), via one or more windows 110 . These components may include the electrochromic pane 146 in the window 110a and associated actuators, for example, a voltage source 148 coupled to control the transmissivity of the electrochromic pane 146 . Electrochromic pane 146 may generally be referred to as electrochromic glass, although the embodiments herein are not intended to be limited to glass. These electrochromic panes may comprise one or more drapes, shades or drapes or other window coverings (collectively referred to as window coverings 150), and an actuator, such as an electric motor 152, coupled by a transmission 154 for relative The window covering is driven along track 156 at window 110b. The electrochromic pane 146 may comprise glass, mirror, or other material that controllably or selectively transmits some wavelength of light. For example, electrochromic pane 146 may be substantially or substantially transparent to various wavelengths (e.g., white light) in response to a first signal and transparent to various wavelengths (e.g., white light) in response to a second signal different from the first signal. ) is substantially or substantially opaque. The electrochromic pane 146 may be adjustable to control the intensity of light that is substantially passed or substantially blocked, and/or to control the wavelengths that are selectively substantially passed or substantially blocked.

Various methods of lighting and components used to provide lighting are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4-6.

HVAC is another aspect in which the desired environmental characteristics of habitable environment 100 may be achieved. Accordingly, habitable environment 100 may contain a plurality of vents 158a through 158b (only three shown, collectively 158) that vent to habitable environment 100 or portions thereof having a desired air temperature, humidity, and/or air quality. Provide air. At least one of vents 158 may selectively supply fragrance to habitable environment 100 or portions thereof. Various air treatments and components for treating air are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7 .

Architectural solutions can be used to work in conjunction with HVAC systems and related devices to synergistically improve air quality. For example, an air displacement system in which cool air flows into a space near the floor and displaces existing air in the ceiling through vents can improve the performance of HVAC and air cleaner units.

Likewise, water is yet another aspect by which the desired environmental characteristics of habitable environment 100 may be achieved. Accordingly, the habitable environment 100 may contain a plurality of faucets 130, 136 and/or showerheads 132 that supply water that has been treated in various ways to improve well-being. Various water treatments and components for treating water are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 9 .

Habitable environment 100 may contain a number of passive components to achieve desired environmental characteristics, such as those associated with floor system 102, wall system 104, ceiling system 106, acoustics, air quality (e.g., zero or low VOC emissions), and healthcare or Hygiene (eg, anti-pathogen) related. Many of these components are discussed below.

Habitable environment 100 may contain floor system 102, wall system 104, ceiling system 106, and/or bed 116, designed to achieve various benefits. For example, floor system 102, wall system 104, and/or ceiling system 106 are designed to reduce exposure to noise.

Noisy environments have become part of modern life. Fans, airplanes in the air, passing traffic, and noisy neighbors all contribute to the ambient noise conditions in your home. About half of Americans live in areas with background noise greater than 55 decibels (dB), which is the most annoying level. On a logarithmic decibel scale, 0dB is the point at which sound becomes intelligible to the human ear, and every 10dB increase increases the sound pressure level by a factor of 10. Frequent exposure to 85dB for more than eight hours at a time can cause permanent hearing loss. In an outdoor urban space not immediately adjacent to any sound source, the background noise is usually close to 40db. The World Health Organization recommends that the ambient sound level in the home be below 45dB and that in the bedroom be below 30dB.

Accordingly, habitable environment 100 may incorporate various passive methods to achieve the benefit of noise reduction.

Many annoying noises in the home originate from the outside world, so sound barriers are an important part of the overall sound balance. Many of these technologies provide effective thermal insulation and sound insulation in walls and windows. This allows for an acoustic protection solution while incurring very little additional cost. In addition, floor lining reduces sound transmission between rooms and enhances the feeling of privacy.

For example, habitable environment 100 may contain flooring system 102 designed to achieve various benefits. The floor system 102 may include a floor covering 160 , a sub-floor 162 , and optionally an anechoic floor plinth 164 that connects the floor 160 to the sub-floor 162 . The flooring system 102 may include one or more additional flooring layers 166 that provide resilient members or layers (eg, cork), as discussed below. Flooring system 102 may include, for example, baffle material or insulating material (not shown) between additional flooring layer 166 and subfloor 162 . The floor system 102 may additionally or alternatively include a pad or sheet (not shown) of material that acoustically isolates sources of vibration (eg, vibrating electrical equipment such as a washing machine). The flooring system 102 may additionally or alternatively include impact resistant designs or elements, particularly designed to lessen the forces experienced in the event of a human fall.

The flooring system 102 uses non-toxic, natural materials that are designed to absorb the sound of footsteps and other vibrations, and provide isolation from external or internal sounds.

As another example, habitable environment 100 may include wall system 104 designed to dampen sound. The wall system 104 may comprise specially constructed walls that incorporate resilient channels 168, double wall panels or plasterboard 170, double studs 172, and sound insulation designed to reduce sound transmission. Resilient channels 168 elastically connect double wall panels or plasterboards 170 to double uprights 172 to reduce transmission of vibrations.

As another example, habitable environment 100 may utilize anechoic doors 108 . For example, a solid oak door tightly sealed to the jamb can achieve the same level of noise reduction as a well-constructed wall.

As another example, habitable environment 100 may utilize anechoic windows 110 . For example, the triple-glazed window 110 with vacuum or rare-earth gas trapped therebetween can minimize sound transmission from the outside.

As yet another example, habitable environment 100 may utilize sound deadening duct insulation 174 . For example, a non-toxic coating 174 of sound dampening material may be wrapped around water pipes (not shown) and air conduits 176 to reduce sound transmission through the metal conduits.

The health effects of flooring have become the focus of more and more research. Studies have shown that standing for long periods of time on a surface without any elasticity or cushioning forces the muscles into a constant state of flexion. This reduces circulation, induces poor posture, causes lower back pain and can lead to orthopedic disease. Cushioning reduces impact on joints and promotes muscle relaxation.

Habitable environment 100 may utilize padded floor system 102 in order to achieve a number of benefits, including improving circulation and promoting healthy posture. The result can be reduced joint pain, discomfort and low energy. Plus, standing on a softer surface reduces the risk of developing plantar fasciitis and may ease symptoms in those who already have it. The floor system 102 should be soft or elastic enough to allow comfort underfoot, yet firm enough to promote lumbar support. The floor system 102 is constructed of a floating construction, such as with cork under the layer 166, to reduce forces due to increased deflection resulting in impact.

Reflexology is the traditional practice of massage with the aim of reducing the symptoms of various ailments. Practitioners use stimulation of specific areas of the hands and feet to reduce tension and stress. Evidence has shown that the practice of reflexology has strong anxiety-reducing effects, lowering blood pressure and pulse rate. The habitable environment 100 may utilize specially designed pathways (eg, bathroom pathways) with textured floor coverings 178 designed to enhance circulation and general well-being through encouraging reflexology.

Floor finishes can often be a major source of VOCs due to the large surface area. The habitable environment 100 uses selected natural floor coverings to reduce emissions of harmful indoor air pollutants and volatile organic compounds.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are generated when charged particles are in motion. The movement of electrical charges through wires and electrical devices creates electromagnetic fields. The strength of the electric field depends on the voltage (for example, typically 120V for households) and exists close to live wires, whether or not the appliance is in use. Studies have shown that long-term and significant occupational exposure to EMF increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer.

Thus, EMF shielding is incorporated into the habitable environment 100 . EMF shielding is designed to stop the propagation of magnetic fields by creating a barrier made of conductive or magnetic materials. EMF shields have traditionally been made from solid metals, although this presents challenges related to weight, corrosion, and ductility. A treated metal mesh or screen with openings smaller than the electromagnetic wavelength may provide a more practical solution.

Thus, for example, habitable environment 100 may contain EMF shielding for wiring. Rather, the wiring may be insulated with a foil pack designed to shield EMF from the occupied portion of the habitable environment 100 . As another example, low EMF electrical wiring may be used.

Another passive approach utilizes antimicrobial or antipathogenic (ie, "treated") materials to reduce or eliminate the presence of bacteria or pathogens. Antimicrobial or anti-pathogenic materials may be incorporated into or deposited on bedding (e.g., sheets, comforters, comforters, pillows, pillowcases) 180, window coverings (e.g., drapes, shades, curtains) 150, and/or surfaces (eg long counter top 181, bathtub or shower cubicle 122, table top 120, wall 104). For example, various materials may be impregnated or coated with antimicrobial or antipathogenic materials. These materials can have openings or pore sizes of about 1 micron, thereby providing an effective barrier to the penetration of various undesirable particles. Any gaps in bedding should be sealed. At least in the case of bedding, these materials preferably completely surround or enclose the mattress, box spring, pillow and/or comforter. This provides protection from bedbugs, allergens and/or dust mites.

An example of a suitable material may contain or comprise silver (Ag) in ionic form, which has proven effective against a variety of pathogens. Additionally or alternatively, other nontoxic antimicrobial agents may be used, for example, silanequats and/or zinc pyrithione.

To reduce exposure to pathogens and toxins without excessive use of chemicals or cleaning, the amenities below reduce the effort required to maintain a healthy environment.

As another example, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have emerged as an effective means of reducing air pollutants through photocatalysis, which produces a self-cleaning surface facilitated by ambient light exposure. For example, nanoparticles can catalyze reactions that convert VOCs into harmless carbon dioxide. Such nanoparticles can be incorporated onto photocatalytic coatings that can be used on walls to destroy bacteria, viruses and VOCs when exposed to light.

Habitable environment 100 may contain antimicrobial or antipathogenic materials as materials of construction. For example, cedar can be used in closets and/or as baseboards. Certain species of cedar are used as natural pest control, repelling many insects. The oils present in cedar wood have been shown to repel fungi (such as mold), bacteria, insects, termites and ticks.

The bed 116 and associated bedding can be designed to improve well-being in a variety of ways.

Five main types of mattresses exist: innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses, latex mattresses, air mattresses, water-filled and futon mattresses. Variation exists within each of these categories and in nearly every conceivable measure within them, making it virtually impossible to obtain adequate clinical and Survey-level data. Online surveys reveal memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses and air mattresses have higher owner satisfaction (78-81%) than innerspring mattresses (62%). Owner satisfaction is based on a number of different measures. However, these averaged numbers have to qualify for clinical reports that innersprings can lead to significant improvements in sleep quality. Furthermore, it has been observed that acute back pain may result when switching to a foam mattress, which subsequently resolves when switching back to a regular cotton mattress. However, it has also been observed that people who sleep on both high quality innerspring mattresses as well as unique foam support mattresses find that measures of sleep quality associated with insomnia are significantly reduced in those who sleep on foam mattresses, Thus showing better recovery.

The above-mentioned inconsistencies in the findings indicate differential interactions between mattress types and variations in anthropometric measures among test subjects. Therefore, comparing mattresses according to broadly defined categories is less useful than examining the relationship between performance-based mattress quality (such as firmness) and measurable health responses.

Mattresses are known to have an impact on spinal recovery and sleep quality, two important aspects of health.

One of the simplest and most studied mattress properties believed to affect spinal health and sleep quality is overall firmness. The limited number of scientific reports investigating mattress firmness and sleep quality seem to agree that, in general, mattresses should be neither too firm nor too soft. Significantly improved physical pain, sleeping comfort and sleep quality results have been observed when replacing an existing mattress with a new "medium firm" mattress. It has also been observed that medium firm mattresses reduce pain-related dysfunction more than firm mattresses in patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain. Furthermore, although the softest and firmest mattresses were associated with worsening pain and sleep, there was still a large difference between individuals' sleep quality responses within the mid-range firmness category. It has further been observed that, on hard surfaces, people adopt a position between lying on their side and lying on their stomach, possibly to avoid lateral bending when the shoulders and pelvis are not allowed to sink into the surface. However, this bend is much smaller than on a soft surface; when the pelvis sinks too far into the mattress, the spine bends further in the frontal plane than on a firm mattress.

It is assumed that spinal curvature, contact pressure, and sleep quality are always absolutely correlated with each other in most sleep studies; however, this may be an oversimplified assumption. One study measured both contact pressure and spinal curvature to evaluate four "superlative" mattresses in a male population. Studies reported clear differences between mattresses, but the pattern of results was inconsistent; mattresses with the highest maximum contact pressure tended to have the least spinal deformation. Effects on sleep were not incorporated in the study. Interestingly, another study found that the curvature of the spine was greater in mid-tier mattresses than in higher firmness tiers. One study did find differences in different sleep architectures, with significantly more slow-wave sleep (SWS) and higher sleep efficiency on "comfortable" mattresses than on "uncomfortable" mattresses. However, the study did not provide quantitative traits to describe what is meant by "comfortable" and "uncomfortable". These studies suggest that the two central goals of mattresses, exhibiting low maximum pressure and minimizing spinal deformation, can in fact be cross-purposes. Although pressure distribution is the primary concern for preventing bedsores in bedridden patients, it is only sufficient to avoid concentrated pressure spikes in healthy populations. Therefore, experts generally tend to prioritize sleeping positions that allow the spine to remain in a neutral and elongated position. Sleep is necessary to allow the body's muscles and discs to recover from continuous stress throughout the day. The volume of the intervertebral disc (IVD) increases by 20-25% overnight, regenerating the capacity of the disc to support the gravity-induced compression of the following day and injecting nutrients into the spine. This procedure works best when the spine is allowed to remain in a neutral position. It is also possible that spinal health and sleep quality (not just duration) are again intrinsically related; it has been hypothesized that REM and non-REM phases play important and possibly complementary roles in effective IVD decompression during sleep.

There are three main types of sleeping positions: prone (stomach), lateral (side), and supine (back). Although many studies have examined the various sleep effects associated with each sleep position, few studies have examined how mattress types affect different sleep positions. When sleep quality and spinal curvature were examined for both bed types (i.e., on a sagging spring mattress as well as a customizable air-cell mattress), it was found that sleepers who lay on their stomachs were more Disadvantageously affected by sagging beds and additionally found to be more significantly improved in sleep quality when switching to custom air chamber beds, this showed no difference between the two bed types.

Considerations of sleep position are further complicated by the fact that all sleepers shift position several times throughout the night; indeed, this natural shifting is considered an important feature of healthy sleep. However, the ideal amount of sleep movement is unknown. Relatively disturbed sleep was associated with poorer sleep quality, although some activity and postural changes were normal, a study found. In addition, there are indications that the assumed average proportion of the various sleep positions changes with age: whereas in childhood the prone, supine and sideways positions are thought to occupy the same proportion of sleep time, this occurs with age The apparent gradual disappearance of the prone position and a preference for the right side position in old age.

A correlation has been observed between side-dominant sleepers and lower shoulder and back pain. However, this correlation does not necessarily indicate that sleeping position is a major cause of back pain; it is conceivable that those with back and/or shoulder injuries may naturally adopt a prone or supine position depending on the type of injury. Regardless, if a mattress is observed to change a person's natural sleeping position from prone or belly to side, then it may improve sleep quality.

Given the complex interplay between individual physiology and mattress performance, it's no surprise that people aren't able to choose the best mattress for them. Even when customers are allowed to rate bed comfort during a 15-minute assessment, customers cannot precisely choose the mattress type that will subsequently be shown to minimize morning pain and stiffness and optimize sleep quality and daytime energy levels .

The results of most mattress surveys indicate that although extremely soft or firm mattresses are on average worse than medium firm mattresses, the degree of mattress firmness required to reduce an individual's morning pain and optimize their sleep quality There are big differences. The inter-individual variability in the effectiveness of mattresses suggests that the goal of mattress firmness and possibly even maintaining a neutral spine may be an oversimplification of the problem. Interactions between various mattress qualities and physiological measures (eg, weight, height, BMI, and preferred sleeping position) all contributed to the observed inter-individual variation in spinal deformation, pressure distribution, and sleep quality.

Given the high interindividual variability in posture type, anthropometric measures, and weak correlations between initial comfort assessments and objective sleep measures, it is clear that there is a need for individualized objective assessment of spinal curvature, pressure distribution, and Ideal sleep quality performance. Therefore, it is possible to envisage a sleep system capable of detecting posture changes and actively changing its mechanical properties in a second step to optimize spinal support for each assumed posture; essentially, an "active" sleep system. However, due to the inherent cost and inefficiency of such advice, it is more practical to use anthropometric metrics whenever possible for predicting optimal mattress configurations. Alternatively, mattresses designed to automatically adjust based on weight distribution, such as air mattresses with air cell zones, or innerspring mattresses with customizable firmness "zones," do not require advanced sleep monitoring analysis to achieve full performance. Measurement.

Temperature is another important factor affecting sleep quality. Memory foam in particular is prone to absorbing and retaining heat, which can interfere with sleep. A strong association between sleep and thermoregulation has been observed. Human core body temperature naturally cycles on a 24-hour cycle and is related to circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. Before and during sleep, skin temperature increases and core temperature decreases as peripheral blood flow increases. Even mild exposure to heat during sleep increases arousal and decreases REM sleep and slow wave sleep. Moist heat further increases arousal, reduces REM and SWS, and over-inhibits the reduction in core body temperature. Temperature sensitivity is largely dependent on age and adaptation to local conditions. Often, major sleep disturbances can be avoided by simply avoiding sweating.

Many mattresses are known to contain chemicals that cause respiratory problems and skin irritation. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted that have been shown to be associated with a variety of short and long term adverse health effects including eye, nose and throat irritation; headache, nausea; liver, kidney and Central nervous system injury.

Foam mattresses traditionally made from petroleum can contain as many as 61 different VOCs. Toxic chemicals can be found in the core, filling, flame retardant material, fitted sheet or joints of a mattress. Even mattresses that don't use petroleum can contain toxic chemicals. Formaldehyde, benzene, still found in many mattress types, is a probable human carcinogen regulated by the EPA. Many mattress manufacturers use one or more chemicals of interest, including antimony, vinyl, polyurethane, and other VOCs; vinyl coverings; special formulations for waterproofing, flame retardants, or antimicrobial chemicals. Although some manufacturers offer "green" ingredients, they do not seem to be able to take meaningful steps to ensure that their products are free of any toxic chemicals. Plus, only a small percentage of mattress manufacturers avoid potential allergens.

Mice exposed to six brands of waterproof crib mattresses for 1 hour elicited various combinations of sensory stimulation, lung stimulation, and less airflow. Gas chromatography showed that the mattresses emitted a mixture of chemicals known to cause various acute toxic effects, including asthma-like reactions.

Mattresses from major leading brands don't disclose which flame-retardant chemicals they use, claiming it's a trade secret. Discomfort from the "outgassed" smell from traditional foam mattresses is still common and can last for weeks.

Therefore, it is important to choose specific brands and varieties of mattresses that minimize or omit any harmful fumes that could affect allergies or even present more serious health hazards.

Exposure to house dust mite (HDM) allergens, and thus sensitization, has been identified as an important risk factor for the development of asthma in large parts of the world. The amount of dust mite exposure increases the risk of developing an allergy, as well as the severity of the reaction once it occurs. Asthma symptoms were more severe in patients exposed to higher levels of allergens, including dust mites.

Apart from bedspreads and materials, design also plays an important role. The smaller the surface area of both the interior and exterior of the mattress, the less space there is for dust to trap and the lower the overall dust mite population. Mattresses that allow a degree of ventilation throughout the interior also reduce the buildup of moisture that can harbor dust and mold.

Mattress durability and longevity are important to reduce replacement costs and ensure optimal performance throughout its expected lifespan. Air beds generally have low durability but high service life. This is because the air pumps that support them can fail or be damaged, but with these issues resolved, the materials in air mattresses can last up to ten years. Latex mattresses are also known to have a good lifespan, with an average lifespan of about 7 years. The average lifespan of a memory foam mattress is about 6 years, while futon mattresses and innerspring mattresses rarely last more than 5 years.

Most people use pillows when sleeping at night, and this is an important consideration for spinal curvature. But it is true that some people may be more comfortable without pillows, and depending on mattress type, body size and sleeping position, this may result in worse or better spinal curvature than with pillows. In fact, pillows have been specifically designed to meet the needs of every type of sleeper. For example, body pillows, lap pillows, ergonomic head pillows are commercially available.

A rating system may be used to facilitate mattress and/or bedding selection. The rating system may contain three categories, named from lowest to highest: 1) Basic Certification, 2) Silver Certification, 3) Gold Certification.

For example, with regard to firmness and spinal support, in order to be approved for Basic Certification, a foam mattress must have an ILD rating between ¹³ and 16, be between 3" and 4" thick, and have a between ² densities. In order to receive Basic Certification, a spring mattress must have a coil density of at least 800 pocket springs and feature foam edge support. In order to receive Silver Certification, foam mattresses must have an ILD rating between 13 and 16, be between 3" and 4" thick, and have a density of at least 5 lbs/ ^ft2 . In order to receive Silver Certification, a spring mattress must have a coil density of at least 900 linear pocket springs, foam edge support, and must additionally have at least five zones, divided by positioning at the shoulders, waist, hips, and legs. Spring mattresses must have linear pocket springs that are 15-30% less stiff in the shoulder and hip regions. Meanwhile, in order to be approved for silver certification, the air mattress must have an adjustable internal pressure between 1,000Pa and 4,000Pa.

As another example, regarding toxicity, in order to receive Basic Certification, a mattress must comply with all parts of the CertiPUR-US certification. In order to receive Silver certification, mattresses must meet the most stringent certification class OEKO-Tex100 test standards (limit 1 value), and when the CeriPUR-US class is more stringent, padding must meet those stricter standards. In order to receive Gold Certification, the total VOC emissions of a mattress must not exceed 0.001ppm.

As another example, for asthma and allergies, in order to receive basic certification, a mattress must be constructed without grooves, dimples or indentations on the outer surface. In order to receive Silver Certification, mattresses must be free of any potentially allergenic materials, including plush and natural latex.

As another example, regarding temperature control, in order to receive Basic Certification, a foam mattress must have a ventilation layer. In order to receive Silver Certification, mattresses must have sufficient ventilation to maintain humidity levels below 60% at standard pressure, ambient temperature of 25° and 50% relative humidity.

Functions or operations capable of controlling at least active components may be adapted to achieve the amenities and benefits provided in habitable environment 100 . Accordingly, multiple user-operable input/output (I/O) devices, controls, panels or kiosks 182 may be provisioned.

For example, indoor user-operable I/O panel 182a may include a display (eg, LCD) to display information. Indoor user-operable I/O panel 182a may include user-actuatable controls (e.g., user-selectable icons, keys, buttons displayed on a touch screen) that operate to allow the user (e.g., Occupants of habitable environment 100 ) can select parameters or programs to be executed to control one or more of the environmental characteristics of habitable environment 100 .

As another example, a mobile or handheld device 182b may be used as an I/O device. The mobile or handheld device 182b may include a display (e.g., LCD) to display information as well as user-actuatable controls (e.g., user-selectable icons, keys, buttons) that operate to allow the user ( For example, an occupant of habitable environment 100 or a facility operator) can select parameters or programs to be executed to control one or more of the environmental characteristics of habitable environment 100 . The mobile or handheld device 182b may be owned by an end user (eg, a resident). The mobile or handheld device 182b may perform wireless communication via a wireless protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11, ) a downloaded custom application program or "APP" that communicatively interfaces.

Alternatively or additionally, the remote user-operable I/O control device, panel, or kiosk 182c (FIG. 2) may include a display (eg, an LCD) to display information. Remote user-operable I/O controls, panels, or kiosks 182c may include user-actuatable controls (e.g., user-selectable icons, keys, buttons displayed on a touch screen) that operate to allow the user to An operator (for example, an operator of the facility in which habitable environment 100 is located) can select parameters or procedures to be executed to control one or more of the environmental characteristics of habitable environment 100 .

Information about amenities and benefits obtained through the well-being system in habitable environment 100 may be adapted to realize such benefits. Information may be provided via a server and presented via various means. For example, information may be presented via a television 184, eg, on a dedicated channel, via an in-room or other display, panel or kiosk 182a, via a handheld device 182b, and the like.

Systems and Subsystems

FIG. 2 shows active portions of an environmental control system 200 for controlling environmental characteristics of habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ), according to one illustrated embodiment. FIG. 2 provides a more detailed representation of some components of FIG. 1 .

The active portion of the environmental control system 200 contains a number of subsystems. For example, active parts may contain control subsystem 202, lighting subsystem 204, water treatment subsystem 206, air treatment subsystem 208, fragrance subsystem 210, sound subsystem 212, input/output (I/O) subsystem 214 . The active portion may optionally contain a disinfection subsystem 216, which may either be built into the appliance of the habitable environment 100, or may be portable and located within the habitable environment 100 only during use, as described below . Each of the subsystems 202-216 and/or components is subsequently discussed below with reference to FIG. 2 . The operation of many of these subsystems 202-216 and/or components is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3-10.

Control subsystem 202 may take the form of a programmed computer or other processor-based system or device. For example, control subsystem 202 may take the form of a conventional mainframe computer, minicomputer, workstation computer, personal computer (desktop or laptop), or handheld computer.

The control subsystem 202 may include one or more processing units 220 (one shown), non-transitory system memory 222a through 222b (collectively 222), and a device for coupling various system components including the system memory 222 to the processing unit 220 system bus 224 . Processing unit 220 may be any logical processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), etc. Non-limiting examples of commercially available computer systems include, but are not limited to: 80x86, Pentium, or i7 series microprocessors from Intel Corporation, U.S.A., PowerPC microprocessors from IBM, Sparc microprocessors from Sun Microsystems, Inc., PA-RISC series microprocessors from Hewlett-Packard Company, or 68xxx series microprocessors from Motorola Corporation. The system bus 224 may employ any known bus structure or architecture, including a memory bus with a memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus. System memory 222 includes non-transitory flash memory or read only memory ("ROM") 222a and non-transitory random access memory ("RAM") 222b. Basic input/output system ("BIOS") 226a, which may form part of ROM 222a or RAM 222b, contains basic programs to facilitate the transfer of information between elements within control subsystem 202, such as during start-up.

The control subsystem 202 may include a hard disk drive 228a for reading from and writing to a hard disk 228b, an optical disk drive 230a for reading from and writing to a removable optical disk 230b, and/or a self- The disk 232b reads from and writes to the disk drive 232a of the disk 232b. The optical disk 230b may be a CD/DVD-ROM, and the magnetic disk 232b may be a magnetic floppy disk or magnetic disk. Hard disk drive 228 a , optical disk drive 230 a , and magnetic disk drive 232 a may communicate with processing unit 220 via system bus 224 . Hard disk drive 228a, optical disk drive 230a, and magnetic disk drive 232a may include an interface or controller (not shown) coupling between such drives and system bus 224, as is known to those skilled in the relevant art. Drives 228a, 230a, and 232a and their associated computer-readable storage media 228b, 230b, 232b may provide non-volatile and non-transitory storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program engines, and other data of environmental control system 200 storage. Although control subsystem 202 is illustrated as employing hard disk 228a, optical disk 230a, and magnetic disk 232a, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types of computer-readable storage media or processor-readable storage media that can store data accessible by a computer may be used. Media such as cassette tapes, flash memory, digital video disk ("DVD"), Bernoulli cassettes, RAM, ROM, smart cards, etc. Hard disk 228a may contain, for example, instructions and data for controlling other subsystems based on certain aspects or characteristics of occupants of habitable environment 100 (FIG. characteristic. Hard disk 228a may contain instructions and data provided through active and passive components or measurements, for example, for presenting information about various properties and benefits, and how to use environmental control system 200 and passive components to maximize enjoyment , comfort and well-being command.

Program engines may be stored in system memory 222b, such as an operating system 236, one or more application programs 238, other programs or engines, and program data. Applications 238 may contain instructions that cause processor 220 to automatically generate signals to control various other subsystems, for example based on one or more aspects, characteristics, or attributes of occupants of the habitable environment, to achieve habitable Various environmental characteristics in environment 100 (FIG. 1). Applications 238 may contain instructions that cause processor 220 to automatically receive input and/or display output via various user-operable input/output (I/O) devices, controls, panels, or kiosk 182 or television 184 .

Other programming engines (not specifically shown) may contain instructions for handling security such as password or other access protection and communication encryption. System memory 220 may also contain communications programs 240, e.g., programs that allow control subsystem 202 to provide services and exchange data with other subsystems or computer systems or devices via the Internet, corporate intranet, extranet, or other network (e.g., LAN, WAN). servers, and other server applications on server computing systems, such as those discussed further herein. The server in the depicted embodiment may be based on and operate in a markup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML) or Wireless Markup Language (WML) using A syntactically delimited character for a document's data to denote the document's structure. Many servers are commercially available, such as those from Microsoft, Oracle, IBM and Apple.

Although shown in FIG. 2 as being stored in system memory 222b, operating system 236, application programs 238, other programs/engines, program data, and communication applications (e.g., server, browser) 240 may be stored on hard drive 228a hard disk 228b, optical disk 230b of optical drive 230a, and/or magnetic disk 232b of magnetic disk drive 232a.

The operator can access the information via various user-operable input/output (I/O) devices, controls, panels, or kiosks 182 or televisions 184, or through other input devices such as dedicated touch screens or keyboards (not shown) and/or A pointing device, such as a mouse (not shown), and/or via a graphical user interface, inputs commands as well as information (eg, configuration information, data, or specifications) into the control subsystem 202 . Other input devices may include microphones, joysticks, game pads, tablets, scanners, and the like. These and other input devices are interfaced to one or more of the processing units 220, such as a serial port interface 242 coupled to the system bus 224, although other interfaces may be used, such as parallel ports, game ports Or wireless interface or Universal Serial Bus ("USB"). A monitor or other display device is coupled to system bus 224 via a video interface, such as a display card (not shown). Control subsystem 202 may include other output devices, such as speakers, printers, and the like.

Control subsystem 202 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers and/or devices as described above with reference to FIG. 1 . For example, control subsystem 202 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more other subsystems 204 - 214 , one or more server computer systems 244 , and associated non-transitory data storage 246 . Server computer system 244 and associated non-transitory data storage 246 may be implemented, for example, by the facility (e.g., hotel, spa, apartment building, condominium building, hospital) in which habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) is located. control and operation. Communications can occur via wired and/or wireless network architectures, such as wired and wireless enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, extranets, and the Internet, for example. Accordingly, the control subsystem 202 may include wireless communication components, such as one or more transceivers or radios 248 and associated antennas 250 for wireless (eg, radio or microwave frequency communications, collectively referred to herein as RF communications). Other embodiments may incorporate other types of communication networks, including telecommunications networks, cellular networks, paging networks, and other mobile networks.

Illumination (eg, electromagnetic radiation or energy having wavelengths in the visible, near-infrared (NIR), and/or near-ultraviolet (NUV or UVA) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum) can have significant effects on human health. As used herein and in the claims, the term illumination or light encompasses both the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye (e.g., about 400 nm to about 700 nm) and invisible to the human eye (e.g., NIR or UVA). energy. Light affects the human body in many unconscious ways. Metabolism via melatonin and the endocrine system are already closely linked to the daily solar cycle. This cycle in the human body is called a circadian rhythm. Humans and animals have an internal clock that keeps the body on a roughly 24-hour cycle, which matches Earth's daily solar cycle even in continuous darkness. Several bodily processes from alertness and sleep cycles for digestive efficiency are regulated in part by the intensity and color of light received by the eyes. Light, however, regulates this internal timing to align man with Earth's daily solar cycle. If your circadian rhythm has already been disrupted by shift work or long-distance travel, exposure to light at an intensity comparable to direct sunlight will help reset your circadian rhythm.

The intensity of light as well as color affects different systems of the body. For example, blue light blocks the production of melatonin, a chemical signal in the body that induces sleep. High-intensity light at night delays sleep, while light in the morning helps wake up. Appropriate brightness and color also contribute to alertness and focus throughout the day. Melatonin is a natural antioxidant and counteracts the carcinogenic tendencies of free radicals. Therefore, depletion of melatonin by inappropriate exposure to bright light can lead to increased cancer risk. Bright light during midday and dim light at mealtimes help break down carbohydrates.

Additionally, many individuals suffer from light-related mood disorders, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Proper exposure to specific types of light for specific times can resolve these disorders. Exposure to gradually brighter light in the morning, simulated by sunrise, has been shown to reduce depression. Sunlight contributes to the healthy development of vision. Myopia in children has been shown to be associated with less exposure to daylight and, in turn, a high reliance on dimmed artificial light. Age-related macular degeneration, or deterioration of vision with age, especially in older persons with blue eyes, can be minimized by reducing exposure to high color temperatures.

The lighting subsystem 204 can also be controlled for light therapy, with or without the use of topical photosensitive substances. This can, for example, be used to treat various conditions, for example, seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People living at high latitudes often experience depression during winter due to chronically reduced sunlight, a symptom identified as SAD. For those affected by SAD, measures of sleep efficiency were significantly different in winter than in summer. Light therapy can be particularly effective in treating SAD, producing results comparable to treatment with drugs.

Another symptom or syndrome commonly referred to as "jet lag" results from a relative shift between the circadian rhythm and the daily solar cycle. The effects are disrupted sleep and marked deterioration in mood, concentration and cognitive performance. Exposure to controlled light to help match solar and circadian photoperiods can help relieve these symptoms.

In some individuals, the body's production or interpretation of melatonin varies slightly relative to the solar cycle, leading to a cluster of symptoms known as delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS). About one in ten of all teens and some adults find themselves falling asleep two to six hours after their regular bedtime. If left undisturbed, these individuals will typically sleep for approximately 8 hours during the day before waking up. Controlled lighting can help treat DSPS.

Emerging research shows that different brain activity occurs when the body is exposed to different parts of the light spectrum. Color can subconsciously affect people's ability to perform different types of tasks. For example, in one study, participants performed analytical tasks better in red light and were more creative in a blue environment.

Studies of workplace environments have found that people in brightly colored offices have higher measured emotional states than those in muted or neutral environments. On the other hand, studies have shown that strong colors can make some individuals feel uncomfortable. Chromotherapy employs lighting of a specific wavelength or combination of wavelengths as an effective manipulator of mood given individual preferences. Practitioners use this therapy to address issues such as: meditation, intuition, speech, nervousness, and anxiety.

Lighting subsystem 204 is operable to provide dynamic custom coloring throughout habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) or portions thereof in order to provide chromotherapy. In addition, habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) may optionally use chromotherapy wallwashing in the form of wall pass-through light coloring (e.g., via shade lights or wall sconces) that dynamically changes color to produce a color change for different settings and days. Spectrum required for time. Additionally or alternatively, chromotherapy lighting may be added to specific areas where chromatic lighting may be more desirable (eg, meditation spaces and steam showers).

The lighting subsystem 204, discussed below, is used to maintain and repair disruptions to circadian rhythms, thereby improving health (some of which include natural sleep cycles, healthy development of the eyes), and treating or alleviating symptoms, syndromes, and/or or disease. Lighting subsystem 204 may, for example, expose occupants or residents of habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) or portions thereof to short periods of intense artificial light for a therapeutic effect while the subject is awake as part of light therapy. a part of.

Lighting subsystem 204 includes artificial lighting subsystem 204a and natural lighting subsystem 204b that operate in a cooperative manner to provide the desired lighting in habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1). Specifically, lighting subsystem 204 provides lighting in habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) with gradually adjusted color temperature and intensity to, for example, improve circadian rhythm. As discussed below, lighting subsystem 204 may implement a sunrise simulator to gradually increase light and sound levels, designed to wake the body as it enters a light sleep phase. This can replace a standard alarm clock to create a more natural environment from which to wake slowly. This can be achieved by slowly opening shades during wake-up or by slowly allowing more light to pass through the electrochromic pane. The volume of the active sound can also be increased slowly. The sounds may be those found in natural environments or may be other sounds, such as music. This can be done in an integral unit, or via a dedicated bedside unit that can provide sound as well as artificial light.

As also discussed below, lighting subsystem 204 may implement a night light utilizing dim (e.g., low wattage) long-wavelength LED or incandescent light fixtures that activate in response to motion or ambient light levels and are designed to adequately illuminate The room is used for safe travel without interfering with melatonin levels.

Artificial lighting subsystem 204a includes a plurality of lighting sources 252 and optionally one or more power sources 254 . As previously mentioned, the illumination source 252 may take a variety of forms, for example, incandescent, fluorescent, compact fluorescent, or LED lights. LED lights may be preferred because such lights are extremely energy efficient and can have a long operating life. The illumination sources 252, either alone or in combination, should be capable of selectively providing a wide range of intensities and a wide range of wavelengths. This enables the illumination source 252 to be selectively controlled to produce a variety of artificial lighting conditions, for example, to simulate natural light conditions, daylight patterns, circadian light patterns, light therapy patterns, and/or to accommodate location changes (e.g. , latitude and/or longitude) or seasonal changes (eg, spring, summer, autumn, winter) of light patterns. The diurnal light pattern may be simulated for a given location (e.g., latitude and/or longitude) and/or at a given time of year (e.g., season, Light patterns of intensity and/or color of naturally occurring light (eg, sunlight and darkness) of the month). The circadian light pattern produced or generated or provided may be produced by a combination of artificial and naturally occurring light which may be controlled to produce a defined or desired circadian light pattern. The defined or desired circadian light pattern itself may be different from the circadian light pattern naturally occurring at a particular location and/or time of year, or may simply be relative to the circadian light pattern at a particular location and/or time of year Naturally occurring circadian light pattern shifts. Illumination source 252 may be in the form of an array of LEDs, each capable of producing one or more ranges of wavelengths. The wavelength of emitted light can be adjusted by changing the drive current supplied to the LED. Thus, a desired wavelength can be achieved by selectively operating a particular group of LEDs (eg, LEDs emitting at a given range of wavelengths), and/or by varying the level of current supplied to any given LED. The intensity may be adjusted by selectively operating more or fewer LEDs, or by controlling the power supplied to one or more LEDs via the power supply or power supplies 254 . For example, the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal can be varied to adjust the output intensity.

The power source or sources 254 can take a variety of forms, depending primarily on the source of power (eg, AC line current, DC) and the source of illumination (eg, LEDs). The power supply or power supplies 254 may contain transformers to electrically isolate the rest of the circuit from the power supply and/or to step down or step up the voltage. The power supply or power supplies 254 may include a switch mode converter operable to step down and/or step up voltage. The power supply or sources 254 may include one or more rectifiers (eg, passive diode bridge of MOSFETs or IGBTs, active transistor bridge) to rectify AC power to DC power. Less likely, the power source or power sources 254 may include one or more inverters to invert DC power to AC power. The power supply or power supplies 254 may include one or more dedicated power supply controllers, for example, microcontrollers such as microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, PGAs, or PLCs and/or associated non-transitory computer readable media or processor-readable media. A power source or power sources 254 are communicatively coupled to control electrical power supplied to the lighting sources.

Natural light subsystem 204b may include one or more actuators drivingly coupled to control an amount of natural light received in habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) via one or more windows 110 . As previously discussed, the actuator may, for example, be in the form of a power source 256 coupled to control the transmittance of one or more electrochromic panes or panels 146 (FIG. 1). Also as previously discussed, the actuator may, for example, be in the form of a motor 258, solenoid, or other element that is drivingly coupled to control the position of one or more window coverings 150 (FIG. 1) relative to the window and A certain amount of passing lighting is thereby adjusted. Window coverings 150 may be in the form of "shades" that are automatically operated to shield occupants or residents of habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) from outdoor light. The actuators 256, 258 may receive electrical power from a voltage source, or may receive control signals from a microcontroller. The electrochromic pane or panel 146 (FIG. 1) may be capable of modulating (i.e., selectively substantially passing, selectively substantially blocking) the range of wavelengths passed or blocked as well as the natural lighting passed or blocked Strength of. Thus, electrochromic panes or panels 146 (FIG. 1) may be an advantage over window covering methods.

Controlling the entry of ambient light (eg, sunlight, light from street lamps, buildings or signs, security lighting) from the external environment helps manage exposure to various levels of light to help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. This is particularly important during early summer mornings and longer summer evenings, especially at high latitudes (eg, above or greater than about 40 degrees north or south) and/or in urban environments.

Municipal water systems use many methods to control water purity. While these methods are generally successful in keeping pollutant levels within national and state limits, water quality can sometimes be an issue. For example, sodium and sulfate levels in Las Vegas city water would fail New York City city standards. In New York, by-products from chlorination are approaching federal limits. With these concerns in mind, habitable environment 100 may use supplemental treatment techniques to keep concentrations of pollutants within safe limits set by US regulatory agencies, as well as international safety standards.

New York City's water is currently unfiltered, but a filtration plant is being built for water drawn from the Croton Reservoir. Additionally, UV disinfection facilities are being built for germicidal lighting of remaining water sources (Catskill/Deleware system).

Sediments - Solids of sulfates and chlorides can suspend in water and create cloudy opacity or turbidity. Water with high turbidity is not inherently unhealthy, but higher levels can indicate a problem in the filtration process, which can mean that other contaminants are not being adequately removed. Strainer 259 reduces suspended solids in the water. This is often the first stage of processing that optimizes the performance of subsequent filters in the system.

Municipal water systems often add chlorine-based sanitizers, which are added to water supplies to remove bacteria. This can affect the smell and taste of the water and cause potential eye irritation. The human body contains beneficial commensal bacteria that are necessary for the proper function of the skin and digestive tract. These microorganisms on the skin are damaged by chlorine. When chlorinated water comes into prolonged contact with organic matter, carcinogenic by-products such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids can form.

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) include a myriad of different chemical substances used as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and wellness products. PPCP enters the water system through several routes, for example, incomplete metabolism of the drug in the body, improper disposal of pills or personal care and cleaning products. Potentially unsafe PPCPs have accumulated in lakes or rivers where they can enter urban water systems. PPCP may cause hermaphroditism in fish and lake amphibians, as well as other reproductive impairment. The anticipated presence of other contamination of the water supply and the increased amount of PPCP in the water has been the subject of many research projects. Activated carbon water filter 260 is used to reduce biocide by-products, pesticides, dissolved gases, chlorine, chloramines, and some pharmaceuticals and personal care products, resulting in cleaner and better tasting water. "Activated" charcoal filters contain a labyrinth of channels and openings resulting in activated carbon with a surface area of approximately 1000 square meters per gram.

Many forms of microorganisms can be harmful to health or indicate poor water quality.

For example, consistently common are rod-shaped bacteria that are harmless in themselves. Like turbidity and suspended solids, coliforms serve as indicators: their presence indicates that other, more dangerous microorganisms may have survived the water treatment and may be present in the water supply. The EPA's goal for coliform bacteria is zero traces, but the enforced limit allows 5 percent of all samples to test positive in a single month. 46 of the 9,958 samples obtained by New York City in 2010 tested positive (or 1.3% of samples in the highest month).

As another example, Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are also rod-shaped bacteria, and most strains are harmless. Some strains, such as O157:H7, cause food poisoning by secreting toxic chemicals that can be life-threatening in susceptible individuals. E. coli is spread by eating uncleaned or undercooked food. Infectious E. coli can also be found in water mixed with feces, such as agricultural runoff.

As another example, Cryptosporidium and Giardia are single-celled microorganisms often found in water systems contaminated with sewage. These protozoa, which are much larger than bacteria, can cause digestive problems, especially in susceptible groups.

Water handler subsystem 206 ensures that a clean, healthy water supply is supplied to habitable environment 100 (FIG.), eg, via taps, eg, faucets 130, 136 (FIG. 1 ) or showerheads 132 (FIG. 1 ). Water treatment subsystem 206 may use a multi-step approach.

Water treatment subsystem 206 may include one or more mechanical filters 259 . The mechanical filter 259 may include one or more sediment filters or strainers to filter sediment or larger particulate matter from the water. The mechanical filter 259 may comprise one or more fine filters to filter fine particles from the water. Various types of primary and/or secondary filters can be used, including wire mesh screens, diatomaceous earth, ceramic water filter elements.

Water treatment subsystem 206 may include one or more activated carbon filters 260 . Activated carbon filters can remove particles in the size range of approximately 0.5 microns to 50.0 microns.

As an alternative to adding chemical disinfectants, water can be disinfected by illuminating with UV light. High-energy light damages the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them incapable of reproduction. UV treatment is very effective on clean, sediment-free water. Accordingly, the water treatment subsystem 206 may use ultraviolet germicidal illumination (UVGI) in an attempt to eliminate microorganisms without the use of chemical-based filtration. Specifically, the water treatment subsystem 206 may include one or more ultraviolet (UV) illumination sources 261 operable to expose the water to UV illumination of sufficient intensity and for a sufficient length of time to render harmless pathogen. UV illumination source 261 may be supplied with electrical power from one or more dedicated power sources 262 .

Alternatively, a reverse osmosis system (not shown) preceded by a carbon filter can replace the sediment filter and UV radiation for removal of chlorine, PPCP, biocide by-products, heavy metals, microbes and water hardeners.

The water treatment subsystem 206 may include one or more vitamin C reservoirs 263 and one or more ports, valves or manifolds 264 operable to release vitamin C into the water. Ports, valves, or manifolds 264 may be fluidly connected to release vitamin C only in certain conduits, for example, to supply vitamin C only to the spray heads 132 ( FIG. 1 ) or optionally water from tap 130. Vitamin C is infused into the shower water to remove residual chlorine. In high concentrations, vitamin C can be absorbed by the skin, for example, when applied as a topical cream. While these concentration levels are significantly higher than those found in a shower, the shower water still provides a small amount of nutrients to the skin.

Air handling subsystem 208 may contain various components to ensure that the air supplied to habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) is healthy and comfortable for occupants.

Good air quality is one of the most important characteristics of a healthy environment. A stationary adult normally inhales 6 to 10 liters of air per minute. Double the inhalation for moderately active adults, and double again for vigorously active adults. About 15 cubic meters of air pass through the lungs of a moderately active adult every day.

Trace amounts of gaseous pollutants and particulates are present in the air from natural and anthropogenic sources, which can cause serious health problems. Reducing sources of gas and particulates in the home will reduce their negative effects. Atmospheric pollutants produced by a variety of substances and the presence of individuals in the home all need to be ventilated to the outside through ventilation, and need to be filtered to ensure that they do not return to the indoor air supply.

The main health effects of poor air quality are lung cancer and cardiopulmonary disease. A significant number of deaths from these diseases can be attributed to periods of higher levels of particulate matter. Other effects of air quality are asthma attacks, emphysema, and interference with the immune system.

At the microscopic scale, the natural laws of fluid dynamics and gravity work differently, allowing solids and liquids to float in air almost infinitely. Broadly speaking, this microscopic particulate matter is divided into two categories: fine particles smaller than 2.5 μm (PM _2.5 ); and coarse particles larger than 2.5 μm and smaller than 10 μm (PM _10-2.5 ). Fine particles are inhalable particles that can cause a variety of health problems. Due to the physical processes governing their formation, fine particles are inherently more acidic and more mutagenic than their larger counterparts. Fine particles are inhaled deeply into the lungs, maximizing damage. Most cases of deaths from inhalation of coarse particulate matter and larger pollutants are caused by the toxic chemicals they contain rather than by the particles themselves.

Coarse particles do not penetrate as deeply into the lungs as fine particles and are therefore the less dangerous of the two. However, many coarse particles are allergens. Dust mites, for example, are tiny arachnids that feed on pet dander, dead human skin cells, and other biological matter. They thrive on carpets, mattresses, and drapes, and tend to be found in synthetic fibers rather than natural materials. The mites are not inherently dangerous, but their feces contain chemicals that trigger an immune response in some individuals. The resulting symptoms often include itchy eyes, runny nose, and wheezing, a debilitating response that can be especially debilitating in asthmatics. Approximately one quarter of US households have levels of dust mites associated with symptomatic asthma, and almost half contain enough dust mites to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

The air handling subsystem 208 may include one or more mechanical air filters (eg, mesh, gauze, woven, or fleece material) 265 through which air is passed to remove larger particulates. Suitable mechanical air filters may comprise activated carbon air filters, high efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters (ie, MERV equivalent 17+), MERV 13 to 16 air filters, quantities of zeolites, or porous materials.

Air handling subsystem 208 may include one or more electrostatic filters or dust collectors 266 to remove fine particles. Specifically, electrostatic filter 266 captures particles that may contain allergens, toxins, and pathogens. Additionally, an electrostatic filter 266 is installed to reduce dust mites, powder frost, carpet fibers, mold spores, bacteria, smoke, and diesel particulate matter from the air. The electrostatic filter 266 uses electrostatic charges to attract particles and extract them from the air into the wire mesh.

Electrostatic filter 266 may take a variety of forms, for example one that places an electrical charge on the particles and an opposite charge on a gauze or other electrode element to attract charged particles. An example of such an electrostatic filter is an electrostatic filter of the corona discharge type. The electrostatic filter 266 may be supplied with charge via a power source 267 .

Various airborne pathogens can present problems, especially in enclosed spaces or habitable environments. This may especially relate to newer construction techniques for reducing the exchange of air with the external environment, for example, for reducing heat loss and thus increasing thermal efficiency. Although most airborne microbes are ubiquitous and generally harmless, some microbes can be dangerous pathogens that can easily spread throughout a home's ventilation system.

Mold spores can cause skin, nose, throat, and eye irritation and trigger asthma attacks. These fungi release volatile organic compounds that produce a characteristic "musty" odor and have been associated with dizziness and nausea. Humidity control has been shown to be effective in reducing mold, and insulated windows reduce condensation to prevent mold growth in nearby joints.

Individual microorganisms are extremely small and can escape some filters if not attached to other particles. To reduce the likelihood of airborne pathogens traveling through an enclosed space or habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1), UVGI may be used to provide additional protection. UVGI is based on specific frequencies of UV light that specifically target the DNA of microorganisms and viruses that pass through the ventilation system.

The air treatment subsystem 208 may include a UV air sterilizer designed to sterilize air via UV light within one or more components of the ventilation system (eg, ducts). Its goal is to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and mold spores that may have escaped the filter.

Accordingly, air handling subsystem 208 may include one or more UV illumination sources 268 . UV illumination source 268 is positioned to illuminate the air with UV illumination of sufficient intensity for a sufficient length of time to render pathogens harmless.

Various gaseous pollutants can have deleterious effects among humans, especially if the pollutants are allowed to accumulate in habitable enclosed spaces. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate into gases at room temperature. Many paints, cleaning products, and pest control chemicals emit VOCs that are present in buildings 2 to 5 times higher than exterior levels. Some furniture and building materials also slowly release certain types of VOCs, such as formaldehyde. In the short term, exposure to such VOCs may cause dizziness, nausea, headache, throat irritation, and fatigue, while long term effects include damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

Nitrogen dioxide is a product of combustion and is found primarily near the source of combustion. Indoor areas containing gas stoves, fireplaces, and cigarette smoke typically have much higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. Epidemiological studies have shown that excessive nitrogen dioxide inhalation may reduce lung function, especially in children. In the short term, excessive nitrogen dioxide inhalation may also trigger an allergic reaction from the immune system, resulting in irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Ozone is produced by the reaction between molecular oxygen, nitrogen oxides, and sunlight. It is the main catalyst in the formation of smog. Ozone hinders cellular respiration, resulting in reduced cellular activity. Inhalation of high concentrations of ozone may cause itchy throat and chest tightness; long-term exposure to this ozone causes damage to lung tissue which may lead to emphysema. In addition, ozone interferes with the body's immune system, which increases the danger from airborne or waterborne pathogens. Under current standards, the E.P.A. expects ozone to cause more than 110,000 lost work days and 1,100,000 lost school days between 2008 and 2020.

The design of the habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) avoids or at least reduces the use of VOC-emitting materials, such as omitting or avoiding products or materials that contain certain glues or resins (eg, particle board). In daily use, materials that emit VOC are also avoided. For example, the care or maintenance of habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) avoids the use of cleaning compounds known to cause VOC emissions.

However, some VOCs and other gaseous pollutants may be present in habitable environments. Accordingly, the air handling subsystem 208 may include one or more activated carbon air filters 249 in the flow path to reduce VOC, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone passing through activated carbon media filters designed to intercept gas molecules. Activated carbon air filters 249 are most useful in areas with sources of smoke or odors.

Additionally or alternatively, the air handling subsystem 208 may also incorporate the use of an ionizer, which is a device that emits negative, positive, and/or bipolar ions by a variety of methods. The purpose of these ions is to penetrate the air and neutralize, inactivate, and/or agglomerate harmful airborne particles, including ultrafine and fine particles, viruses, mold spores, and/or other pathogens. These ionizers can work alone or in conjunction with media filters or other air cleaning devices as part of a synergistic solution. Since the effectiveness of the purification effect of ions has been shown to be altered by humidity and temperature, the control system can be designed to optimize those environmental parameters in order to increase the effectiveness of the ionizer.

Additionally or alternatively, electrostatic filter 266 or some other element may optionally contain one or more catalysts selected to catalyze specific impurities in the air. For example, electrostatic filter 266 can comprise one or more catalysts (such as non-metallic catalysts, for example: titanium dioxide, chromium oxide, or aluminum oxide; or metal catalysts, for example: iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, ruthenium , rhodium, palladium, silver, iridium, platinum, and gold, and combinations or alloys thereof, such as alloys of platinum and rhodium) to catalyze VOC species into more acceptable or less harmful forms.

The air handling subsystem 208 may include one or more heaters 269 to heat the air. Heater 269 may take any of a variety of forms. The heater 269 may take the form of an electric heater that uses a resistive radiating element to heat the air. Heater 269 may take the form of a forced air heater, which typically includes a burner that burns a fuel such as natural gas or propane. The heater 269 may alternatively take the form of an oil burner or the like.

The air handling subsystem 208 may include one or more compressors 270, which may form part of an air conditioning cooling unit. Compressor 270 may be fluidly coupled to control the pressure of the fluid, coupled to one or more coils or other heat exchangers, and may operate in a similar manner to a standard air conditioning unit to remove heat from the air.

Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the total amount that can be held at a given temperature. During the spring and summer months, humidity levels can be high enough to cause discomfort. As cool air flows through the central air system, the humidity in the air decreases because the cooler air holds less water vapor. However, when dry air is introduced into a building and heated inside the building in winter, relative humidity is lowered, so the air feels dry.

In order to maintain comfort, and to prevent the generation and growth of mould, dust mites, and bacteria, the relative humidity in the habitable environment 100 should be kept between 30% and 50%. Use hot water in your home's ventilation system to inhibit bacterial growth. Humidity toward the bottom of the range is better in terms of air quality, but very low moisture levels can lead to dry skin and respiratory irritation.

Accordingly, air handling subsystem 208 may include a humidifier and/or dehumidifier 271 that controls humidity throughout enclosed habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ). This is especially important in winter when moisture levels in the air decrease, so the air handling subsystem 208 must add moisture (ie, humidify) during dry periods. Conversely, the air handling subsystem 208 reduces moisture (ie, dehumidifies) during humid periods. Humidifier and/or dehumidifier 271 may contain a reservoir (not shown) that holds water to either add water to the air in a humidification mode or remove water from the air in a dehumidification mode. Humidifier and/or dehumidifier 271 may include a compressor (not shown) for, for example, cooling the air as part of removing moisture. Humidifier and/or dehumidifier 271 may optionally include a heating element to heat the air as part of adding moisture.

To control relative humidity, the air handling subsystem 208 may additionally employ vents 158a (FIG. 1), particularly in the bathroom 100b (FIG. 1), to increase the ventilation rate of this portion of the habitable environment so that Humidity generated therein, such as from showers 122, 132 (FIG. 1), is rapidly reduced.

Air handling subsystem 208 may include one or more fans and/or blowers 272 coupled to one or more ducts ( FIG. 1 ) and/or vents ( FIG. 1 ). Fans and/or blowers 272 may circulate air within air handling subsystem 208 and/or within habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ). A fan and/or blower 272 may exhaust air to the external environment and/or introduce fresh air from the external environment prior to processing the fresh air. Specifically, high-flow ventilation systems exhaust indoor air to reduce the build-up of internally generated airborne impurities such as volatile organic compounds, dust mites, and pet dander. A heat exchanger can advantageously be used to recover energy from departing air.

As an alternative to humidity control, a waterfall device (not shown) in the enclosure can increase and decrease relative humidity. As chilled water circulates through the waterfall unit, the system draws water vapor from the air. As room temperature or warm water circulates through the waterfall unit, the system releases water vapor into the air. The waterfall arrangement can also provide soothing background sounds in the habitable environment 100 .

The practice of aromatherapy employs a wide variety of oils and extracts, which have different effects on mood and emotions. Proponents of the modern practice of aromatherapy propose that a variety of fruit- and plant-based aromas have the ability to positively affect mood, behavior, and well-being. Examples of plant-based fragrances and their corresponding benefits include:

Lavender effects included restful sleep during nighttime exposure, increased energy in the morning after nighttime exposure, improved mood, decreased heart rate, and increased positive mood. Jasmine effects include relaxation, decreased heart rate, and increased positive mood. Orange scent has been used to reduce anxiety and help maintain a better mood in stressful situations. Rosemary has been shown to enhance memory and increase reaction time.

Scent subsystem 210 is operable to selectively dispense or disperse one or more scents into the air of habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) or a portion thereof. The fragrance subsystem 210 may include a plurality of reservoirs 273 that hold various fragrances (eg, lavender, rosemary), usually in liquid form. One or more vents, valves, or manifolds 274 are selectively operable to couple selected ones of the reservoirs in fluid communication to distribute fragrance, for example, via ducts or vents of the air handling subsystem 208 Or dispersed into habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) or portions thereof. Scent subsystem 210 may optionally include one or more fans and/or blowers 275 to assist in dispersing scents into habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) or portions thereof. Fragrance subsystem 210 may optionally include one or more heaters 276 thermally (e.g., conductively, radiatively, convectively) coupled to reservoir 273 or an output of reservoir 273 to The liquid form of the fragrance is heated and thereby vaporized into a gaseous form that can be more easily dispersed into the habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) or portions thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more passive components may be used to diffuse fragrance into habitable environment 100 . For example, various items or objects may be imbued with a particular fragrance. Such items or objects may include various fabrics such as curtains, linens or bedding (eg, pillowcases, pillows, sheets, blankets, quilts, duvets), rugs, towels, and the like. Such items may include pouches, sacks, or other breathable packaging or casings that may be positioned at various locations around habitable environment 100, for example, in the flow path of a vent or within a pillow case. . Sachets or sacks may be distributed in airtight bags, containers or wrappers that are opened immediately prior to use. Such an airtight bag, container or wrapper may advantageously maintain the freshness of the fragrance emanating material between manufacture and use, and may prevent the emission of undesired fragrances into the habitable environment. Accordingly, a particular bag may be opened to customize the fragrance to a particular occupant of the habitable environment 100 and allow the fragrance to be dispensed or diffused through the habitable environment 100 .

Thus, the active or passive components of the fragrance subsystem 210 provide room-specific aromatherapy based on the function and aroma benefits of the room. A wide variety of essential oils and carefully crafted aromas are available in dispensers with options to adapt to individual specifications.

Sound subsystem 212 provides sound into habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) or portions thereof. In particular, the sound system may, for example, provide soothing sounds (eg, running water, forest sounds, waves, "white" noise, "pink" noise, music). Sound subsystem 212 may include one or more speakers 277, which may be positioned throughout habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) or portions thereof. Sounds can be selected to create relaxation or to allow greater concentration by the occupant, who will then concentrate without the sound, such as when reading or working. Sound subsystem 212 may include one or more amplifiers 278 coupled electrically, optically, or wirelessly to provide a signal (e.g., typically an analog or digital electrical signal) to speaker 277 that causes speaker 277 to reproduce The sound represented by the signal. Sound subsystem 212 may optionally include a non-transitory computer or processor readable storage medium 279 that stores digital versions of sounds, eg, in a library. Amplifier 278 may include one or more codecs and/or microcontrollers to convert the digital version of the sound into a signal for controlling speaker 277 . The sound subsystem 212 may include one or more microphones (not shown) to detect noise in the habitable space. The sound subsystem 212 may provide masking sounds to counteract or eliminate noise.

An input/output (I/O) subsystem 214 is communicatively coupled to the control subsystem 202 to provide input thereto and/or output therefrom. The input/output (I/O) subsystem 214 may include various sensors 280 to 282, user-operable input/output (I/O) devices, controls, panels or kiosks 283, 284, and other devices such as televisions 285 or components.

For example, one or more occupant sensors or detectors 280 may be positioned in, or proximate to, habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1 ) or a portion thereof. Occupant sensors or detectors 280 sense or detect the presence, or conversely, the absence, of occupants in habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ). Occupant sensors or detectors 280 may take any of a variety of forms. For example, occupant sensors or detectors 280 may take the form of various motion detectors such as passive infrared based motion detectors, proximity (RF) based motion detectors, microwave or radar based motion detectors , an ultrasound-based motion detector, a vibration-based motion detector, and/or a video-based motion detector. Occupant sensors or detectors 280 may comprise simple contact switches that detect movement or operation of a fixture or some other element performed by an occupant (eg, turning on a radio, television, stereo system, appliance). Occupant sensors or detectors 280 may take the form of a simple camera (eg, a digital camera) that can capture images from which frame-to-frame changes can indicate the presence or absence of occupants. Occupant sensors or detectors 280 may detect the presence or absence of an object associated with an occupant, such as a smart card or key fob, or a handheld or mobile device, for example.

Also for example, one or more temperature sensors or detectors 281 may be positioned in, or proximate to, habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1 ) or a portion thereof. The temperature sensor or detector 281 senses or detects a temperature proximate to the temperature sensor or detector and provides a signal indicative of the sensed or detected temperature to the control subsystem 202 and/or the air handling subsystem 208 . The temperature sensor or detector 281 may employ various components such as thermocouples or thermally responsive resistors.

Also for example, one or more humidity sensors or detectors 282 may be positioned in, or proximate to, habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) or a portion thereof. Humidity sensor or detector 282 senses or detects humidity or relative humidity proximate humidity sensor or detector 282 and provides a signal indicative of the sensed or detected humidity to control subsystem 202 and/or air handling subsystem 208 . The humidity sensor or detector 282 may employ various components.

One or more indoor user-operable input/output (I/O) controls, panels, or kiosks 283 may allow occupants or facility operators (eg, cleaners, maintenance personnel) to interact with the environmental control system 200 . The indoor I/O control device, panel or kiosk 283 may contain a touch-sensitive or touch-responsive display that allows presentation of information and a graphical user interface (GUI). The information may include information about the current settings of the environmental control system 200 and different settings that may be selected by the user. The GUI will include one or more user-selectable icons (eg, scroll bars, tool bars, pull-down menus, dialog boxes, keywords, text) that are displayed for user selection. Selections may allow the user to adjust lighting, temperature, humidity, sound, or other aspects of the environment. The GUI can present the user with a defined set of programs to choose from. The program may be presented in a simple manner with simple labels or names, yet may have sets of rather complex settings for various combinations of subsystems 202 to 214 .

Indoor user-operable I/O controls, panels, or kiosks 283 may also allow the collection of information from occupants indicative of occupants' impressions and overall satisfaction with livable environment 100, and specifically occupants' health and well-being. Facility information. Such information may be captured using automated surveys comprising various questions and possible ratings presented, for example, via a graphical user interface (GUI).

One or more facility user-operable I/O controls, panels, or kiosks 284 may allow facility operating personnel (eg, clerks, janitors, cleaners, maintenance personnel) to interact with the environmental control system 200 . The facility I/O control device, panel, or kiosk 284 may contain a touch-sensitive or touch-responsive display that allows for the presentation of information and a GUI. The information may include information about the current settings of the environmental control system 200 and different settings that may be selected by the user. The GUI will include one or more user-selectable icons (eg, scroll bars, tool bars, pull-down menus, dialog boxes, keywords, text) that are displayed for user selection. Selections may allow the user to adjust lighting, temperature, humidity, sound, or other aspects of the environment. The GUI can present the user with a defined set of programs to choose from. The program may be presented in a simple manner with simple labels or names, yet may have sets of rather complex settings for various combinations of subsystems 202 to 214 . The GUI can optionally allow facility operators to define new programs, delete old programs, and/or modify existing programs.

The GUI may, for example, allow facility operators to enter information about particular guests or other occupants who will occupy the corresponding habitable environment. The information may, for example, include the location the occupant originated from. The location can be specified in a variety of forms, including name (eg, city, state, country), geographic coordinates (eg, latitude and/or longitude). Such information may allow environmental control system 200 to determine control programs that adapt to changes experienced by occupants due to traveling to new locations. Thus, the environmental control system 200 can adjust for changes in the diurnal cycle and/or diurnal cycle. The information may include the occupant's age or approximate age, which may affect or relate to the diurnal cycle and the ability to adjust for travel (eg, "jet lag"). Such information may allow for adaptations or treatments for other problems, such as Seasonal Effects Disorder, for example, or provide light therapy to treat specific diseases or symptoms.

As previously noted, one or more televisions 285 may be used to at least present information to occupants. In some embodiments, a control device such as a remote control may be used by the occupant to interact with the television 285 to make selections from various user-selectable options for controlling one or more components of the environmental control system 200 . Also as previously noted, occupants may interact with the environmental control system 200 using a handheld or mobile device 182c ( FIG. 1 ) (eg, a smartphone, tablet computer, etc.).

Server 244 and non-transitory computer or processor readable medium 246 may store information and provide information to other components of environmental control system 200 . Such information may, for example, include a schedule specifying which occupants will occupy which habitable environments 100 ( FIG. 1 ) of the facility and at what times. This information may also specify or be mapped to information specifying desired environmental characteristics of the corresponding occupants. Thus, the environmental control system 200 can automatically adjust the environmental characteristics in various habitable environments 100 customized for a particular occupant.

Disinfection subsystem 216 may be an integral part of habitable environment 100, or may be selectively provided to or within habitable environment, such as when preparing for another occupant or guest. For example, disinfection subsystem 216 may be provided as a cart 293 with wheels 294 , as illustrated in FIG. 2 , for selective rolling into habitable environment 100 . Although illustrated as a cart, the disinfection subsystem 216 may be provided as a portable unit that may be suspended from a pole mounted approximately in the center of the habitable environment or from a wall, or less preferably from a wall or habitable environment. Other structures in environment 100 are suspended. Such a portable unit may advantageously allow the disinfection subsystem 216 , or portions thereof, to be positioned at a higher point than would otherwise be possible via the trolley 293 .

Disinfection subsystem 216 may provide a disinfectant into habitable environment 100 to destroy or render harmless various pests or pathogens. Disinfectant subsystem 216 may optionally drain the disinfectant from habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ) after sufficient time has elapsed in the event that the disinfectant destroys or renders the pest or pathogen harmless.

Disinfectants can take many forms. The sterilant may be in gaseous form, or may be in steam or "dry vapor" (ie, non-humidified) form. Suitable disinfectants may, for example, include formal chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and electrochemically activated solutions (eg, electrolyzed water). A suitable disinfectant may, for example, comprise a photocatalytic antimicrobial material (e.g., a composite photocatalyst, available under the trademark OXITITAN ^™ from EcoActive Surfaces, Inc., Pompano Beach, Florida, in nanoparticle-sized nanocrystalline titanium dioxide matrices. zinc metal). Such materials can provide antimicrobial surfaces, reduce odor and VOCs, provide hydrophilic or hydrophobic self-cleaning, and/or UV protection or corrosion protection. UV protection may be particularly advantageous, where UV lighting is also used to disinfect the habitable environment 100 .

Alternatively or additionally, the sterilizing agent may take the form of electromagnetic energy or radiation, such as a specific range of wavelengths such as UV of electromagnetic energy.

The disinfection subsystem 216 may contain one or more reservoirs 286 of a disinfectant or a material that when combined produces a disinfectant. Disinfection subsystem 216 may include one or more fans or blowers 287 to assist in dispersing the disinfectant into habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, fan or blower 287 also assists in removing or evacuating disinfectant from habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ). The disinfection subsystem 216 may optionally include one or more transducers 288 operable to place the disinfectant in a form that is more susceptible to dispersion. Transducer 288 may take the form of a heater, for example, to vaporize the disinfectant. Additionally or alternatively, the transducer 288 may take the form of one or more high frequency vibrating elements (e.g., piezoelectric elements) to either comminute or otherwise granulate the dry disinfectant into very fine particle form, or Droplets of liquid disinfectant are broken up into an extremely fine form, for example, in a form that does not wet surfaces. Other types of transducers 288 may be used.

Disinfection subsystem 216 may include one or more ports or vents 289 for dispensing the disinfectant. Port or vent 289 may be built into housing 290 of disinfection subsystem 216 . Additionally or alternatively, disinfection subsystem 216 may include one or more hoses 291 having nozzles 292 or other openings for dispensing a disinfectant.

Disinfection subsystem 216 may include one or more rods 295 that are selectively operable to emit electromagnetic energy or radiation, eg, UV, etc., of electromagnetic energy in a specific range of wavelengths. Wand 295 may include one or more illumination sources (eg, UV illumination source 296 ) and may be electrically coupled via one or more cables 298 to a power source 297 carried by cart 293 . Alternatively, illumination source 296 may be located in cart 293 and wand 295 optically coupled thereto via one or more cables 298 .

Disinfection subsystem 216 may include one or more illumination sources 299 positioned so as to be exposed to the surrounding environment in order to provide illumination into habitable environment 100 directly from the housing of disinfection subsystem 216 . An illumination source 299 is positioned on or within the exterior of the cart 293 and is coupled in optical communication to the exterior via one or more optical ports (not shown). This may allow the general habitable environment 100 to be treated optically (eg, with UV lighting). Wand 295 may, for example, be used to treat areas or spaces that would not otherwise be treated via direct illumination from illumination source 299 , for example, areas or spaces not in direct view of illumination source 299 . In some embodiments, illumination source 299 may provide illumination optically coupled to wand 295 via cable 298 .

Depending on factors such as the type of pathogen, distance, and intensity (eg, incident energy), disinfection may require exposure to UV lighting for as little as three hours. Target pathogens can take many forms, such as mold spores, and various bacillus, protozoa, viruses, yeast, and other organisms. Mold spores may include, for example: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus graceus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor racemosus A, Mucoris racemosus B, Penicillium lactis, Penicillium expanse, Penicillium lodei, Penicillium digitatum, Rhizopus niger. Illumination can occur before, after, during, or before and after application of the photocatalytic antimicrobial or coating. Operations may require the habitable space to be empty for the entire processing time period. Thus, a remote control (eg, a wireless hand-held transmitter and wireless receiver in the cart 203) or a delayed start timer may be advantageously employed.

Data, data structures, and non-transitory storage media

The various non-transitory media discussed above may store information in one or more data structures, such as data containing configuration information. Data structures can take many forms, such as records associated with a relational database, the database itself, lookup tables, and so on. Data structures can store many different kinds of information or data.

operate

FIG. 3 shows a high-level method 300 of providing an improved environment in habitable environment 100 according to one illustrated embodiment. Although generally discussed in terms of a hotel, motel, spa, or other hospitality environment, habitable environment 100 may take the form of a home, office, hospital, or any other habitable environment.

Method 300 begins at 302 . Method 300 may, for example, be initiated on a regular basis, eg, daily, weekly, monthly. Alternatively or additionally, the method 300 may be initiated on demand, for example, in response to a check-in of a check-in guest, or an anticipated check-in of a check-in guest, or entry of a guest or occupant into the habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ), for example in response to To read the identifier from the smart card or key fob 114.

At 304 , a cleaning crew cleans habitable environment 100 . Such cleaning may include emptying trash cans, dusting, washing, vacuuming, cleaning and/or treating surfaces with a disinfectant, and/or collecting soiled or used laundry (eg, towels).

At 306 , cleaning personnel apply or install antimicrobial bedding, towels, other coverings (eg, drapes) in habitable environment 100 . Antimicrobial bedding, towels, other coverings can, for example, be impregnated or coated with one or more antimicrobial or antipathogenic agents.

At 308 , the cleaning crew optionally disinfects habitable environment 100 , or portions thereof, using disinfection subsystem 216 , for example. As previously explained, sanitation subsystem 216 may take a variety of forms, at least one of which is a fog machine or "dry fume" that disperses fumes of sanitizer, or "dry fumes," into habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1 ). Dry Fog Machine". Disinfectants can be deposited on various surfaces and can remain in place long enough to neutralize or render harmless pathogens or other undesirable substances. As previously noted, the disinfectant may not "wet" the surface, thereby protecting the surface from damage. Disinfection system 216 may then optionally evacuate or otherwise remove the disinfectant from habitable environment 100, for example by collecting such disinfectant in a reservoir for disposal or reuse.

Optionally at 310, environmental control system 200, or a portion thereof, identifies one or more occupants or guests to reside in habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) and/or particular attributes, characteristics, or characteristics of the occupants . For example, a facility operator may enter an occupant identifier via an input device, panel, or kiosk 284 . Also for example, a resident or guest may enter a resident identifier via an input device, panel, or kiosk 283 . As another example, the occupant identifier may be automatically read from some piece of media such as a smart card or key fob. The occupant identifier may, for example, be encoded in a magnetic strip, machine-readable symbol, or wireless transponder (eg, RFID transponder) of the smart card or key fob. The occupant identifier may consist of or contain the occupant's name, however the occupant identifier is preferably an alphanumeric string that does not contain the occupant's actual name. The alphanumeric string may be logically associated with the occupant's name, such as in a secure database or other secure data structure. This method can enhance security.

Certain attributes, characteristics or characteristics of the occupant may likewise be stored in a secure database or other secure data structure, or less preferably may be stored in a smart card or key fob. Specific attributes, characteristics, or characteristics of an occupant may specify information that allows the habitable environment to be tailored to the occupant's needs or needs. For example, a particular attribute, characteristic, or characteristic of an occupant may identify one or more air temperatures, such as air or room temperatures for different times throughout the diurnal cycle. Also for example, a particular attribute, characteristic or characteristic of an occupant may identify one or more relative humidity of the air, such as relative humidity for different times throughout the diurnal cycle. As another example, a particular attribute, characteristic, or characteristic of an occupant may identify one or more locations from which the occupant traveled. Such signage may permit adjustments to, for example, lighting to accommodate jet lag issues, SAD, and the like. As another example, certain attributes, characteristics, or characteristics of an occupant may identify one or more syndromes, diseases, or conditions for which environmental properties may be adjusted to alleviate or treat the syndromes, diseases, or conditions. These syndromes, diseases or conditions may include syndromes, diseases or conditions that may be addressed by delivery of illumination (eg, timed delivery of different intensities and/or wavelengths). These syndromes, diseases or conditions may also include syndromes, diseases or conditions that can be treated by delivery of moisture, for example, various skin diseases or problems. These syndromes, diseases or conditions may be specified by names or assigned identifiers. Alternatively or additionally, specific instructions or patterns may be stored for providing desired environmental characteristics. This can help maintain individual confidentiality and can address regulatory issues (eg, HIPAA) related to the care, processing, and management of health-related information (eg, electronic medical records). Thus, for example, lighting patterns specifying wavelengths and intensities at various times throughout the solar day can be stored. Patterns specifying air temperature, relative humidity, sound, scent, and other ambient characteristics can likewise be stored for various times throughout the solar day. These modes can be synchronized with each other. So, for example, lighting and sound can be synchronized to create a gradual wake-up period in which the light gradually increases in intensity, as do soothing sounds. The wavelength of light may likewise gradually change during this wake-up period. Also for example, lighting and sound could be synchronized to create a period of gradual relaxation prior to bedtime in which the light gradually decreases in intensity, as do soothing sounds. The wavelength of the light may likewise be gradually changed during this relaxation period.

Optionally at 312, a facility operator, occupant, or environmental control system 200, or portion thereof, selects a program for execution to provide an environmental characteristic, attribute, or amenity. This can be done, for example, where a program has not been previously specified or identified. Alternatively, this can be done in cases where multiple programs are designated for a given occupant. As previously noted, one or more programs may be stored for each perspective occupant, such as in a smart card or key fob 114 or in a database in a non-transitory computer or processor readable medium 246 . These programs, or identifiers representing these programs, may be presented to facility operators or occupants to select from, for example, via one or more input devices, panels, or kiosks 283 , 284 . Alternatively or additionally, control subsystem 202 (FIG. 2) may select programs based, for example, on occupant-specific criteria. For example, control subsystem 202 (FIG. 2) may determine that an occupant has recently traveled from a location that has a substantially different natural light cycle than the location of habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, control subsystem 202 (FIG. 1) may select programs that provide specific lighting or other characteristics that alleviate or otherwise address symptoms or symptoms associated with such changes in natural lighting due to travel. Illness, such as jet lag or SAD.

A set of patterns can be defined that accommodates changes in the amount of natural light and/or changes in the spectral composition (e.g., wavelength) of natural light for a larger number of pairs of originating and arriving locations from which the occupant The departure location (eg, typically the occupant's home) and the arrival location are locations to which the occupant has traveled (eg, hotel, motel, spa). These patterns can, for example, relate each of the 24 time zones (eg, longitude zones) to the other 23 time zones around the world. These patterns may relate to various latitudes or regions of latitude throughout the world. For example, a pattern can be built for each pair of latitude zones (eg, 5 degree increments of latitude) north and south of the equator. Thus, each latitude zone may be related to every other latitude zone by a corresponding pattern. Patterns can likewise be defined for pairs of geographic locations (eg, longitude or time zone, and latitude) to accommodate both time zone changes and changes in the length of the solar day. Models are not built for all pairs of possible geographic locations because most occupants will arrive from a relatively small number of geographic locations, and because the geographic location of the arrival location is approximately is known. Likewise, grouping longitude and/or latitude into bands (eg, 5 degrees) by, for example, time zone will also limit the total number of patterns stored. Although described as being stored, in some embodiments, patterns may be generated dynamically or "on the fly" via one or more algorithms or equations using geographic location as input.

Optionally at 314, the facility operator may check in one or more occupants or record one or more occupants to use the habitable environment 100 ( figure 1). Identifying occupants or guests at 310 and/or selecting procedures at 312 may be performed as part of this registration or record. Alternatively, identifying occupants or guests at 310 and/or selecting procedures at 312 may be performed prior to this registration or recording 314, for example, as booking or reserving habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1 ) as part of a residence.

At 316, control subsystem 202 (FIG. 2) executes selected programs to cause various subsystems 202-214 to provide environmental features or amenities in habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1).

Optionally at 318, the control subsystem 202 or a portion of the environmental control system 200 presents explanatory material that explains the operation and benefits of the habitable space including the various active and passive components. This may include the presentation of tutorials, for example in the form of videos, that explain how the user may operate or otherwise interact with the environmental control system 200 .

At 320, control subsystem 202 or a portion of environmental control system 200 continuously determines whether a change has been made to any of the operating parameters. Changes may be made, for example, by occupants and/or facility operators, or via sensed or detected conditions in habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1). For example, occupants or facility operators may change settings for air temperature, relative humidity, lighting, fragrance distribution, or other parameters. The change may be a temporary or one-time change, or may be a more permanent change to be stored for use on another occasion or for another habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, control subsystem 202 or a portion of environmental control system 200 may generate a new program, or execute an existing program with new or modified parameters, thus effectively constituting a new program.

If a change has been made, then at 322 the control subsystem 202 or a portion of the environmental control system 200 runs the new program or a program with new parameters to provide the environmental characteristics. Execution of the new program causes various subsystems 202 to 214 to provide environmental characteristics or amenities in habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1) according to the new parameters.

Optionally at 324 , optionally control subsystem 202 or a portion of environmental control system 200 collects responses from occupants regarding habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ). Specifically, control subsystem 202 or a portion of environmental control system 200 may provide opinion surveys and/or question. The control subsystem or part of the environmental control system may also be interrogated regarding the actual operation and ease of use of or interaction with the environmental control system 200 . The survey or questions may provide a scale for rating the occupants' experience, and especially well-being.

Optionally at 326, the facility operator checks out the occupant or guest. Facility operators preferably proactively inquire about occupants' guests' well-being and experience with the amenities of habitable environment 100 (FIG. 1). At this point, the facility operator can update the schema, store the new schema, and/or delete the old schema associated with a particular resident or guest, thereby providing an improved experience or livable environment 100 (FIG. 1 ) or other habitable environment 100 ( FIG. 1 ), for example at another location.

The high-level method 300 can terminate at 328 until started again, or can repeat endlessly. Alternatively, high-level method 300 may be performed concurrently with other methods or processes.

FIG. 4 shows a low-level method 400 of operating one or more components of a habitability improvement system for providing lighting, which may be used to implement the method illustrated in FIG. 3 , according to an illustrated embodiment. At least a portion of method 300 .

Low-level method 400 begins at 402 . Method 400 may, for example, be performed continuously, or may be initiated on a periodic basis, eg, every few minutes, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, for example. Alternatively or in addition, method 400, or portions thereof, may be initiated on demand, for example in response to detection of an occupant of habitable environment 100, or in response to a guest of a facility (e.g., hotel, spa, resort, hospital) or Operator's request.

Optionally at 404, a sensor or detector senses or detects whether the enclosure is occupied. The sensor may, for example, provide a signal to the control subsystem indicating whether the enclosure is occupied.

Additionally or alternatively, sensors from a smart sleep system (e.g., EKG electrodes, body temperature sensors or thermocouples, heart rate sensors, sweat sensors) can send information from devices or beds that measure various sleep parameters (e.g., sleep phases) . The automatic control system may control one or more of the lighting system, sound system, and HVAC system affecting the room based on the detected or measured sleep parameters.

One or more of the following actions may be selectively performed based on the signal. For example, it may be more energy efficient to avoid providing active lighting when the habitable environment is not occupied.

At 406, the control subsystem receives an input, eg, at a first time. The input may indicate any of a number of settings, for example, settings related to lighting to be provided in the enclosure. The input may be received via at least one user-actuatable input device located within the enclosure or at an entrance to the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, input may be received via at least one user-actuatable input device located remotely from the enclosure. For example, at the reception, concierge, building maintenance or other central location associated with the building.

At 408, the control subsystem determines whether the received input indicates selection of the first setting. The first setting may, for example, be a circadian rhythm setting, that is to say a lighting setting or pattern that conforms to and establishes a natural circadian rhythm or cycle in the human body. This can, for example, simulate the intensity and chromatic composition of natural daylight and darkness on a solar day at a given location on Earth.

At 410, in response to determining that the first input indicates a first setting, the control subsystem provides signals to cause at least some of the illumination sources to emit artificial illumination at multiple levels and multiple wavelengths, and to cause at least one actuator to control via The one or more windows receive at least one level of natural lighting in the enclosure from an external lighting source such that a combination of artificial and natural lighting varies over a first time period according to a first pattern. The first pattern may, for example, be a circadian pattern (eg, a pattern that conforms to and establishes a natural circadian rhythm or cycle in the human body).

At 412, the control subsystem determines whether the received input indicates selection of a second setting. The second setting may be a first non-circadian setting, that is, any lighting setting or pattern other than a lighting setting or pattern that conforms to and establishes a natural circadian rhythm or cycle in the human body or mode.

At 414, in response to the second input, the control subsystem provides a signal to cause the lighting source to emit artificial lighting at multiple levels and multiple wavelengths, and to cause at least one actuator to control external lighting through one or more windows The source receives at least one level of natural lighting in the enclosed space such that the combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting does not change over the second time period according to a non-circadian pattern (e.g., except in accordance with a natural circadian rhythm or cycle in the human body and establishes the any pattern other than that of the natural circadian rhythm or cycle described above). For example, in response to a second input, the control subsystem may provide signals to the lighting source and the actuator such that the combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting remains constant over a second period of time.

At 416, the control subsystem determines whether the received input indicates selection of a second non-circadian setting that is a sleep time setting at a third time.

At 418, in response to the third input, the control subsystem provides a signal to cause the sub-equipment of the lighting source proximate to the floor in the enclosure to emit artificial lighting at a low illuminance along at least one path. The signal may further cause the at least one actuator to prevent receipt of natural lighting in the enclosure via the one or more windows.

At 420, the control subsystem determines whether the received input indicates selection of a travel adjustment setting.

At 422, in response to the fourth input, the control subsystem determines, based at least in part on the geographic location from which the occupant of the enclosure originates, to travel adjust the lighting mode to accommodate changes in circadian rhythm due to travel of the occupant. At 424, also in response to the fourth input, the control subsystem provides a signal to cause the lighting source to emit artificial lighting at a certain level and wavelength, and to cause at least one actuator control to be received into the enclosure via one or more windows At least some level of natural lighting such that a combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting achieves the determined travel-adjusted lighting pattern in the enclosed space.

At 426, the control subsystem determines whether the received input indicates selection of a light therapy setting at a fourth time.

At 428, in response to a fourth input indicative of a light setting, a signal is provided by the control subsystem to cause the lighting source to emit artificial lighting at a certain level and wavelength, and to cause at least one actuator to control At least some level of natural lighting in the enclosure is received such that a combination of artificial lighting and natural lighting achieves a defined light therapy lighting pattern in the enclosure over a treatment period.

Method 400 may repeat, as indicated by arrow 430 . Alternatively, method 400 may terminate until invoked again or otherwise restarted.

5 illustrates a low-level method 500 of operating one or more components of a habitability improvement system to adjust the amount of natural light received in a habitable environment using electrochromic panes, according to an illustrated embodiment. The low-level method described above may be used to perform at least a portion of the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 .

At 502, a control subsystem provides a signal to control an actuator (eg, a voltage source or a current source) drivingly coupled to an electrochromic pane to adjust illumination across the pane. For example, the signal may cause drapes/shades/curtains (collectively window coverings) to move to a fully closed position that completely or substantially blocks natural light from entering the habitable environment 100 or portions thereof through the windows. Alternatively, the signal may cause the drapes/shades/blinds to move to a fully open position that allows a maximum amount of natural light to enter the habitable environment 100 or portions thereof through the windows. The signal may cause the drapes/shades/blinds to move to various intermediate positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position that allow a corresponding amount of natural light to enter the habitable environment 100 or portions thereof via the windows .

Because the intensity of natural light in the surrounding environment varies throughout the day and from day to day, the control may be based at least in part on an information from one or more light sensors or detectors. A light sensor or detector may sense or detect natural light in the external ambient and provide a signal indicative of its intensity or its spectral power distribution to the control subsystem. Additionally or alternatively, a light sensor or detector may sense or detect light in habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof and provide a signal indicative of its intensity or its spectral power distribution to the control subsystem.

6 illustrates the operation of one or more components of the habitability improvement system to use drapes or shades or drapes or other window coverings to adjust the natural light received in the habitable environment, according to an illustrated embodiment. A low-level method 600 that can be used to perform at least a portion of the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 .

At 602, the control subsystem provides a signal to control an actuator (eg, motor, solenoid) drivingly coupled via a transmission to move the shade/shade/blind relative to the window. For example, the signal may cause the drapes/shades/blinds to move to a fully closed position that completely or substantially blocks natural light from entering the habitable environment 100 or portions thereof through the windows. Alternatively, the signal may cause the drapes/shades/blinds to move to a fully open position that allows a maximum amount of natural light to enter the habitable environment 100 or portions thereof through the windows. The signal may cause the drapes/shades/blinds to move to various intermediate positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position that allow a corresponding amount of natural light to enter the habitable environment 100 or portions thereof via the windows .

Because the intensity of natural light in the surrounding environment varies throughout the day and from day to day, the control may be based at least in part on an information from one or more light sensors or detectors. A light sensor or detector may sense or detect natural light in the external ambient and provide a signal indicative of its intensity to the control subsystem. Additionally or alternatively, a light sensor or detector may sense or detect light in habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof and provide a signal indicative of its intensity to the control subsystem.

FIG. 7 shows a low-level method 700 of operating one or more components of the habitability enhancement system to provide heating, ventilation, and cooling of the habitable environment 100 according to an illustrated embodiment, which may be used to At least a portion of the method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 is performed. Typically only a few of the actions identified in method 700 will be performed in any single pass. For example, cooling of the air is less likely to be performed if the air has just been heated, or dehumidification is less likely to be performed when humidification has just been performed. Thus, method 700 provides more of a comprehensive description of actions that can be performed.

Low-level method 700 starts at 702 . Method 700 may, for example, be performed continuously, or may be initiated on a periodic basis, for example, every few minutes, hourly, or daily. Alternatively or additionally, method 700 may be initiated on demand, for example in response to an adjustment of a thermostat, an input into a user input device, or a sensed or detected presence of occupants in habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof.

At 704, the control subsystem receives a signal from at least one of a temperature or humidity sensor or detector indicative of the sensed or detected temperature and/or humidity in habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof. The signals may in turn be used to adjust at least one temperature and/or humidity of the air in habitable environment 100 (eg, based at least in part on a diurnal pattern over a period of time).

At 706, the control subsystem provides a signal causing the air to be treated. The signal may, for example, turn on, turn off, and/or adjust the speed of one or more fans or blowers, which may additionally or alternatively adjust the position of a vent, damper, valve, or manifold. The signal may circulate or otherwise cause the air to be treated by filtration through one or more mechanical (HEPA) air filters. The signal may cause air to be circulated or otherwise treated by filtration through one or more electrostatic particulate air filters, a voltage being supplied according to the signal. The signal may circulate the air or otherwise cause the air to be treated by exposure to ultraviolet lighting via an air ultraviolet sterilizer.

At 708, the control subsystem provides a control signal causing the air to be heated. For example, the control subsystem may provide a signal to a heater (eg, forced air stove, steam radiator) to heat the air. Also for example, the control subsystem may provide signals to open, close, or adjust openings of vents, dampers, valves, or manifolds that direct warm air to habitable environment 100 or portions thereof.

At 710, the control subsystem provides a control signal causing the air to be cooled. For example, the control subsystem may provide a signal to a cooler (eg, air conditioner, wet pad cooler) to cool (ie, remove heat from) the air. Also for example, the control subsystem may provide signals to open, close, or adjust openings of vents, dampers, valves, or manifolds that direct cool air to habitable environment 100 or portions thereof.

At 712, the control subsystem provides control signals that cause the air to be humidified. For example, the control subsystem may provide a signal to a humidifier to humidify (ie, add moisture to) the air. Also for example, the control subsystem may provide signals to open, close, or adjust openings of vents, dampers, valves, or manifolds that direct humidified air to habitable environment 100 or portions thereof.

At 714, the control subsystem provides control signals causing the air to be dehumidified. For example, the control subsystem may provide a signal to a dehumidifier to dehumidify (ie, remove moisture from) the air. Also for example, the control subsystem may provide signals to open, close, or adjust openings of vents, dampers, valves, or manifolds that direct dehumidified air to habitable environment 100 or portions thereof.

At 716, the control subsystem opens, closes, or otherwise adjusts one or more vents or dampers or valves or manifolds. Operation of the various vents, baffles, valves, or manifolds may provide fresh air, conditioned air, and/or scents or fragrances to habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof. The vents or flappers or valves or manifolds may be operated via one or more actuators such as electric motors or solenoids, or shape memory alloy actuators, spring loaded actuators and /or magnetic actuators.

At 718, the control subsystem provides a control signal to move or circulate the air. For example, the control subsystem may provide signals to one or more fans or blowers to move or circulate air. The signal can turn on, turn off and/or adjust the speed of a fan or blower.

At 720, the control subsystem provides a control signal causing the air to be compressed. For example, the control subsystem may provide signals to one or more compressors to compress air, for example, to remove moisture or as part of removing heat. The signal may turn on, turn off, or otherwise adjust the speed of the compressor.

The low-level method 700 can terminate at 722 until called again, or can repeat over and over. Alternatively, low-level method 700 may be executed concurrently with other methods or processes, eg, as one of multiple threads on a multi-threaded processor system.

FIG. 8 shows a low-level method 800 for operating one or more components of the habitability enhancement system to introduce scents or fragrances into the habitable environment according to an illustrated embodiment, which may be used to perform At least a portion of method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 .

Low-level method 800 starts at 802 . Method 800 may, for example, be initiated on a periodic basis, for example, every few minutes, hourly, or daily. Alternatively or additionally, method 800 may be initiated on demand, for example in response to a request from a guest or operator of a facility (eg, hotel, spa).

At 804, the control subsystem receives an indication of a fragrance to be dispersed into habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof. The input may come from a room control panel, a remote control panel, a handheld device (eg, a smartphone, tablet computer, or personal digital assistant), or may be generated as part of program execution through the control subsystem.

At 806, the control subsystem provides a signal causing one or more scents to be introduced into the air in habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof. Aroma may be delivered from one or more reservoirs. The signal may cause vents, flaps, valves, or manifolds to open, or alternatively close, allowing scents to enter habitable environment 100 or portions thereof. The signal may additionally or alternatively cause one or more fans or blowers to cause the delivery, dispersion or circulation of fragrances to habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the signal may cause the heater to heat the scented material, for example, to vaporize the material so as to disperse the scent into the air circulated into habitable environment 100 or a portion thereof.

The control subsystem may provide signals such that fragrances are introduced according to or based on a defined schedule. Alternatively or additionally, the control subsystem may provide a signal to cause fragrance to be introduced on demand (eg, in response to user input).

The low-level method 800 can terminate at 808 until called again, or can repeat endlessly. Alternatively, low-level method 800 may be executed concurrently with other methods or processes, eg, as one of multiple threads on a multi-threaded processor system.

FIG. 9 shows a low-level method 900 of operating one or more components of a habitability improvement system to treat water for a habitable environment according to an illustrated embodiment, which may be used to implement the At least a portion of the method 300 illustrated in .

Low-level method 900 starts at 902 . Method 900 may, for example, be performed continuously, or may be initiated on a periodic basis, for example, every few minutes, hourly, or daily. Alternatively or additionally, method 900 may be initiated on demand, for example in response to water usage by occupants of habitable environment 100 .

At 904 , one or more water treatment components of the water supply subsystem treat the water supply to the faucets or sprinklers of habitable environment 100 . Treating the water may, for example, involve filtering the water using one or more sediment or coarse particulate filters. Treating water may additionally or alternatively include fine filtration of water, for example using one or more activated carbon filters and/or photocatalytic substrates or substrates. Treating the water may additionally or alternatively comprise exposing the water to ultraviolet light of sufficient intensity and duration to sterilize the water.

At 906, one or more water treatment components of the water supply subsystem introduce vitamin C into at least some of the water. For example, one or more valves or manifolds may release vitamin C from a reservoir of vitamin C into water that will be supplied to sprinklers of habitable environment 100 .

The low-level method 900 can terminate at 908 until called again, or can repeat endlessly. Alternatively, low-level method 900 may be executed concurrently with other methods or processes, eg, as one of multiple threads on a multi-threaded processor system.

FIG. 10 shows a low-level method 1000 of operating one or more components of the habitability improvement system to adjust the acoustic aspects of the habitability environment, according to an illustrated embodiment, which may be used to perform the process illustrated in FIG. 3 . At least a part of the method 300 is shown.

Method 1000 can, for example, be initiated on a periodic basis, for example. Every few minutes, hourly, or daily. Alternatively or additionally, method 1000 may be initiated on demand, for example in response to a request from a guest or operator of a facility (eg, hotel, spa). Alternatively or additionally, method 1000 may be initiated in response to a call or signal from a program executed by the control subsystem, for example, synchronously with some other aspect of the environment. For example, the sound can be triggered by an alarm clock setting synchronized with the light level and/or spectrum.

Additionally or alternatively, these alarm clocks, lighting and sound systems may in turn be synchronized with a sleep monitoring system present as part of one or more sensors which may be included in the bed or separate from the bed.

Specifically, at 1004, the control subsystem provides a signal causing at least one speaker to play a sound in the enclosed space at a sound level that changes in synchronization with the change in the level of illumination emitted by the illumination source.

The low-level method 1000 can terminate until called again, or can repeat endlessly. Alternatively, low-level method 1000 may be executed concurrently with other methods or processes, eg, as one of multiple threads on a multi-threaded processor system.

Revise

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, illustrative purposes are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein of various embodiments can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the exemplary system generally described above.

Some other processor-based system, such as a control subsystem or a personal computer, can be programmed to assess the "well-being" of a given space. The system can rate various amenities provided in the ambient space, including the type and effectiveness of the amenities. For example, the system may assign points to certain types of amenities and/or effects. For example, points may be assigned to having an active lighting subsystem that additionally scores due to active lighting that can positively affect the day-night pattern. Also for example, points may be assigned to air treatment, where the total number of points is based on the effectiveness of the air treatment. Also for example, points may be assigned to water treatments, where the total number of points is based on the effectiveness of the water treatment. Scores can be in each possible category (e.g., lighting, air, water, sound, reduced use of VOC-leaching materials, use of sound-absorbing or deadening materials, use of materials that cushion or absorb shock to protect occupants) required in . Alternatively, scores may be required for a subset of categories. Additionally or alternatively, a minimum number of points may be required in each of the plurality of categories, or a minimum cumulative score may be required to obtain a given rank or happiness level. Rank or happiness ratings can be authenticated and used in advertising. Happiness can be re-rated from time to time.

Happiness can be rated based on self-reported scores or scores assigned by approvers or reviewers. Scores may be reported via user input devices (eg keyboard, keypad, touch panel associated with GUI). Scores can be entered, for example, via a web user interface and communicated to the system for assessment. The system can perform year-by-year comparisons for a given facility, or comparisons between different facilities. The assessment may be compared or scored against defined well-being criteria in each of a plurality of categories or pathways.

Happiness scores do not necessarily depend on self-reports, but can be inferred from environmental sensors and occupant-based biometric techniques. For example, data collected passively or actively from devices in the built environment, furniture, or other biometric reading devices can contribute to a personal happiness score that can be used to directly or indirectly control the built environment (including lighting, sound, etc.) , HVAC, or other categories previously discussed). Relevant biometrics may include any health or well-being related measurements including but not limited to heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep phases, sleep length, or respiration rate, steps taken per day, weight, or BMI .

The control system may cause a dashboard to be displayed that provides environmental information to occupants of habitable environment 100 and/or to operators of a facility (e.g., a hotel) housing habitable environment 100 (e.g., a room or suite). a concise representation of . The dashboard can additionally present tips, recommendations, questionnaires, proposed settings, interventions, activities, health/wellbeing educational information, and the like. Dashboards can be presented via a website or web page and/or can be stored "in the cloud". The dashboard may be accessible as a web page or a dedicated application via any type of processor-based device including mobile devices (eg, smartphones, tablets). Such devices may incorporate transducers that act upon information and/or control various environmental aspects of the habitable environment via a control subsystem. For example, a web page or application can communicatively integrate a mobile device with a lighting subsystem and/or other environmental systems and controls.

For example, a habitable environment may contain any combination of one or more of passive or active components. Some components may reside in, or be controlled as part of, different subsystems than those illustrated.

Also by way of example, although various methods and/or algorithms have been described, some or all of those methods and/or algorithms may omit some of the described actions or steps, include additional actions or steps, combine actions or steps , and/or some actions or steps may be performed in a different order than described. Some methods or algorithms can be implemented using software routines. Some software routines may be called from other software routines. The software routines can be executed sequentially or concurrently, and multi-threading methods can be employed.

The foregoing detailed description has presented various embodiments of devices and/or processes by using block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples. So far, since such block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples All can be implemented individually and/or collectively by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the invention may be implemented via an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Programmable Gate Array or Programmable Logic Circuit (PLC). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented in whole or in part in standard integrated circuits as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., implementing as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), implemented as one or more programs running on one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers), implemented as one or more One or more programs running on a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), implemented as firmware, or implemented as almost any combination thereof, and in accordance with the present invention, designing circuits and/or writing code for the software and or firmware will be part of the The technicians in the field are very skilled.

Additionally, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the mechanisms taught herein can be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms and that the illustrative embodiments are equally capable regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually perform the distribution. Be applicable. Examples of non-transitory signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, recordable types of media such as portable disks and memories, hard drives, CD/DVD ROMs, digital tapes, computer memory, and other non-transitory computer-readable storage media .

US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/694,125, filed August 28, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The different embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the described embodiments can be modified if necessary or desired to provide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the described embodiments in light of the above detailed description. Generally, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all possible implementations examples and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims do not limit the invention.

US Patent Application Serial No. 61/694,125, filed August 28, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims (47)

CLAIMS 1. A system for controlling environmental characteristics in an enclosed space; said system comprising: a control subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory processor-readable medium storing at least one of processor-executable instructions or data; a lighting subsystem operable to control lighting characteristics of lighting provided in at least a portion of the enclosure, the lighting subsystem comprising: multiple illumination sources selectively operable to emit artificial illumination at multiple levels and multiple wavelengths; at least one actuator operable to control an amount of lighting received into the enclosure from an external source of natural lighting through one or more windows; and at least one user-actuatable input device located in the enclosure and communicatively coupled to the control subsystem and selectively actuatable by the user to switch between the circadian rhythm setting and the at least one override setting Switch between , where: The control subsystem is communicatively coupled to control the plurality of lighting sources and the at least one actuator, and when in the circadian setting, the control subsystem provides feedback to the lighting sources and the At least one actuator provides a signal such that the illumination source and the at least one actuator provide a combination of artificial and natural lighting according to a diurnal pattern defined over a period of time, the diurnal pattern at least substantially matching the A change in illumination level and color temperature of naturally occurring lighting at least one of a defined latitude or a defined longitude over a time period. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one actuator comprises electrochromic glass in the at least one window. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one actuator comprises an electric motor physically coupled to a transmission, the electric motor selectively positioning at least one shade across the at least one window. 4. The system of claim 1 , wherein, during the night portion of the day-night mode, the control subsystem provides a signal to at least a sub-equipment of a lighting source proximate to a At least one path of the door produces low level lighting. 5. The system of claim 1 , wherein, when in a first override setting of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem actuates the illumination source and the at least one An actuator provides a signal such that the illumination source and the at least one actuator provide illumination that does not follow the defined diurnal pattern. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein, when in a second override setting of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem actuates the illumination source and the at least one providing signals to cause the illumination source and the at least one actuator to provide illumination to the enclosed space based at least in part on the geographic location from which the occupant of the enclosed space originates, to accommodate This leads to changes in the circadian rhythm. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein, when in a third override setting of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem actuates providing signals to cause the illumination source and the at least one actuator to provide illumination to the enclosure based at least in part on a time of year to accommodate seasonal changes in the enclosure's geographic location. Resulting changes in circadian rhythm. 8. The system of claim 5, wherein, when in a third override setting of the at least one override setting, the control subsystem actuates A signal is provided to cause the illumination source and the at least one actuator to provide illumination to the enclosure to produce a therapeutic effect on occupants of the enclosure. 9. The system of claim 1; further comprising: At least one sensor positioned to detect the presence of an occupant in the enclosure and communicatively coupled to the control subsystem to provide a signal indicative of current occupancy of the enclosure. 10. The system of claim 1; further comprising: at least one user-actuatable input device located remote from the enclosure and communicatively coupled to the control subsystem and selectively actuatable to switch between a plurality of settings for the system to switch. 11. The system of claim 1; further comprising: an air handling subsystem to control the air characteristics of the air in the enclosed space, the air handling system comprising at least one of: an air filter, a heater, an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a ventilation A vent, a fan, or a compressor, and the air handling system includes at least one of: a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor positioned to detect temperature or humidity proximate at least a portion of the enclosed space. 12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the control subsystem provides signals to at least one portion of the air handling subsystem to control the temperature or the humidity of the air in the enclosed space. at least one. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the control subsystem provides a signal to adjust at least the temperature. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one air filter comprises at least one of: a HEPA mechanical air filter, an electrostatic particulate air filter, or an ultraviolet air sterilizer. 15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the air handling subsystem further comprises a plurality of inlets for selectively introducing aroma from a plurality of reservoirs into the air of the enclosed space, And the control subsystem provides a signal to at least a portion of the air handling subsystem to control the introduction of the aroma into the air of the enclosed space. 16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the control subsystem provides a signal to at least one portion of the air handling subsystem to control fragrance to the The introduction of said air into said enclosed space. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the control subsystem provides a signal to at least one portion of the air handling subsystem to control the flow of the fragrance to the enclosure on demand in response to user input. The introduction of the air. 18. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a water supply subsystem comprising a sediment filter and an activated carbon filter to filter water to be supplied to the enclosed space via a faucet or shower head, and wherein the water supply subsystem further comprises an ultraviolet water sterilizer, the The steriliser illuminates the water to be supplied to the enclosed space via a tap or spray head by means of ultraviolet lighting. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the water supply subsystem further comprises a UV water sterilizer for illuminating water to be supplied to the enclosed space via a faucet or a sprinkler via UV lighting. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the water supply subsystem further comprises an inlet that supplies vitamin C to the water to be supplied to the enclosed space via a spray head. 21. The system of claim 1, further comprising: Ambient Sound Subsystem, including: at least one sound insulator positioned to acoustically sound at least some of the plurality of duct assemblies; at least one anechoic door that acoustically insulates the enclosure from its exterior when the at least one anechoic door is in the closed position; at least one anechoic window that acoustically insulates the enclosure from its exterior when the at least one anechoic window is in the closed position; at least one anechoic wall assembly that acoustically insulates the enclosure from its exterior; and at least one anechoic floor assembly that acoustically insulates the enclosure from its exterior, and Wherein, when the active sound source works in the enclosed space, the ambient sound level in the enclosed space is less than 45dB. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the ambient sound level in the enclosure is less than 45 dB when an active sound source is active in the enclosure. 23. The system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one speaker communicatively coupled to be controlled by the control subsystem to play sound in the enclosed space at a sound level that changes in synchronization with changes in the illumination level emitted by the illumination source, and wherein the control The subsystem provides signals to gradually increase both the sound level and the lighting level in response to the occurrence of a preset time. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the control subsystem provides a signal to gradually increase both the sound level and the lighting level in response to the occurrence of a preset time. 25. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A cushioned low VOC luminous floor in the enclosure. 26. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A textured reflexology floor path in the enclosure. 27. The system of claim 1, further comprising: At least one electromagnetic field shield positioned relative to the wiring to reduce the level of electromagnetic fields introduced into the enclosure through the wiring. 28. A method of controlling environmental characteristics in an enclosed space; said method comprising: receiving a first input indicative of selection of a circadian rhythm setting at a first time; In response to said first input indicative of said selection of said circadian rhythm setting, providing a signal through a control subsystem to cause a plurality of illumination sources to emit artificial illumination at a plurality of levels and at a plurality of wavelengths and to cause at least An actuator controls at least a certain level of natural lighting received into the enclosure from an external lighting source via one or more windows such that the combination of the artificial lighting and the natural lighting is within a first period of time according to the defined Variations in the diurnal pattern of naturally occurring lighting at least one of defined latitude or defined longitude; receiving a second input indicative of selection of a first non-circadian setting at a second time; and in response to said second input indicative of said selection of said first non-circadian rhythm setting, providing a signal through said control subsystem to cause a plurality of illumination sources to emit artificial light at a plurality of levels and a plurality of wavelengths lighting, and such that at least one actuator controls at least a certain level of natural lighting received into said enclosed space from an external lighting source via one or more windows such that the combination of said artificial lighting and said natural lighting is at a second The time period does not vary according to the diurnal pattern. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein, in response to the second input indicative of the selection of the first non-circadian setting, the control subsystem provides feedback to the plurality of lighting sources and the The at least one actuator provides a signal such that the combination of the artificial lighting and the natural lighting remains constant during the second time period. 30. The method of claim 28; further comprising: receiving a third input indicative of selection of a second non-circadian setting as the sleep time setting at a third time; and Responsive to the third input indicative of the second non-circadian setting as the sleep time setting, providing a signal through the control subsystem such that the A subassembly of lighting sources emits artificial lighting at a low lighting level along at least one path and causes said at least one actuator to prevent natural lighting from being received into said enclosure via said one or more windows. 31. The method of claim 28; further comprising: receiving a fourth input indicative of selection of a travel adjustment setting at a fourth time; In response to the fourth input indicating the travel adjustment setting: determining a travel-adjusted lighting pattern based at least in part on a geographic location from which an occupant of the enclosure originates to accommodate changes in circadian rhythm due to travel of the occupant; and Signals are provided through the control subsystem to cause the lighting source to emit artificial lighting at the level and at the wavelength and to cause the at least one actuator control to be received via the one or more windows to the at least the level of natural lighting in the enclosure such that the combination of the artificial lighting and the natural lighting achieves the determined travel-adjusted lighting pattern in the enclosure. 32. The method of claim 28; further comprising: receiving a fourth input indicative of selection of a light therapy setting at a fourth time; and in response to said fourth input indicative of said light therapy setting, providing a signal through said control subsystem to cause said illumination source to emit artificial illumination at said level and at said wavelength and to cause said at least An actuator controls at least said level of natural lighting received into said enclosure via said one or more windows such that said combination of said artificial lighting and said natural lighting achieves said The defined phototherapy lighting pattern in the enclosed space described above. 33. The method of claim 28, wherein a signal is provided by the control subsystem to cause the at least one actuator to control at least the The level of natural lighting includes at least one of: a) providing a signal to vary the amount of lighting delivered through the at least one pane of electrochromic material, or b) providing a signal to control a motor that operates with Drive coupled to move at least one of a shade or window covering relative to the at least one window. 34. The method of claim 28, wherein a signal is provided by the control subsystem to cause the at least one actuator to control at least the The level natural lighting includes providing a signal to control a motor drivingly coupled to move at least one of a shade or a window covering relative to the at least one window. 35. The method of claim 28; further comprising: detecting whether the enclosure is occupied by at least one sensor; and A signal is provided to the control subsystem indicating whether the enclosure is occupied. 36. The method of claim 28; further comprising: receiving input via at least one user-actuatable input device located remotely from the enclosure; and A signal indicative of the received input is provided to the control subsystem. 37. The method of claim 28; further comprising: Providing a signal via the control subsystem to at least one component of an air handling subsystem to control an air characteristic of the air in the enclosure, wherein providing a signal to at least one component of the air handling subsystem includes providing a signal to an air filter At least one of a heater, air conditioner, humidifier, dehumidifier, vent, fan, or compressor provides a signal to control at least one of temperature or humidity of air in the enclosed space. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein providing a signal to at least one component of the air handling subsystem comprises providing a signal to an air filter, heater, air conditioner, humidifier, dehumidifier, vent, fan, or compressor At least one of them provides a signal to control at least one of the temperature or the humidity of the air in the enclosed space. 39. The method of claim 37; further comprising: A signal is received by the control subsystem from at least one of: a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor positioned to detect temperature or humidity proximate at least a portion of the enclosure. 40. The method of claim 37, wherein providing a signal to at least one component of the air handling subsystem comprises providing a signal to adjust at least the enclosure during the time period based at least in part on the diurnal pattern The temperature of the air in the space. 41. The method of claim 37, further comprising: Air in the enclosed space is filtered using at least one of: a mechanical air filter, an electrostatic particulate air filter, or an ultraviolet air sterilizer. 42. The method of claim 37, further comprising: A signal is provided by the control subsystem to selectively introduce fragrance from a plurality of reservoirs into the air of the enclosure based on a defined schedule associated with the diurnal pattern. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein providing a signal by the control subsystem to selectively introduce a fragrance into the air of the enclosure comprises providing a signal based on a defined schedule. 44. The method of claim 42, wherein providing a signal via the control subsystem to selectively introduce a scent into the air of the enclosure comprises providing a signal on demand in response to user input. 45. The method of claim 28, further comprising: filtering water supplied to faucets or showers in the enclosure via a water supply subsystem comprising at least one of a sediment filter or an activated carbon filter, and exposing the water to ultraviolet lighting to disinfect the water, and Further comprising introducing vitamin C into the water to be supplied to the showerhead of the enclosed space. 46. The method of claim 45, further comprising: Vitamin C is introduced into the water that will be supplied to the showerhead of the enclosed space. 47. The method of claim 28, further comprising: A signal is supplied by the controller subsystem to at least one speaker to play sound in the enclosure at a sound level that changes in synchronization with changes in the level of illumination emitted by the illumination source.